A unique new space in Montgomery Street, Kogarah will allow passersby to stop and recharge their mind, body and phone as they sit in the shade next to Kogarah Town Square.
This week, Georges River Council launched its new ChillOUT Hubs at three sites across the local government area - Belgrave Street, Kogarah; Timothy Reserve, Hurstville; and the Mortdale Town Centre.
The ChillOUT Hubs are shaded spaces with internet-connected devices and sensors, charging points, free Wi-fi, solar power, smart furniture, including smart drinking fountains, to monitor uses, and environmental sensors to adjust to changes in climate.
Each hub incorporates smart technology to monitor surrounding micro-climate.
And they also provide good, old-fashioned space and shade for people to sit and hopefully interact face-to-face.
"This is a world leading project," Cr Green Said. "Georges River Council is providing a world-first.
"The ChillOUT Hubs provide free Wi-fi, the chance to recharge your personal devices, smart technology and sensors that can provide simple things like letting the council know when to collect the garbage from the bins," he said.
"When cities are getting bigger and open space is at a premium we have this wonderful structure that in a built-up environment that provides its own oasis of peacefulness.
"It's wonderful that we can deliver a world-first here in Kogarah."
The ChillOUT Hubs project s a collaboration between the council, University of NSW and Street Furniture Australia and has been funded partly by the Federal Government's Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
Dr Nancy Mason of the University of NSW said the ChillOUT Hubs will allow people to plug into the technology overlay of the city.
Sensors embedded in the smart poles of the ChillOUT Hub will be collecting data on usage, Dr Nancy Mason said.
"We will be contacting thermal imaging testing of the micro-climate of the space," she said.
As cities become densified and social isolation increases, these new spaces are a response to these urban challenges."
"This project connects Georges River Council into a network of smart cities around the world. Congratulations Georges River Council being brave and creative and a smart cities pioneer."
The $879,338 project was funded by the Australian Government ($380,507) under the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, as well as Georges River Council ($228, 750), the University of New South Wales ($151,081) and Street Furniture Australia Pty Ltd ($119,000).
