Veronica Place Cardiff

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Council received a State Government grant to establish a temporary flexible outdoor space with trees, planter boxes, tables, seating and a temporary stage area. The original concept design involved the closure of the Main Road end of Veronica Street for several months, to trial a temporary park structure in Cardiff local centre.

Council staff worked with the Veronica Place Reference Group to refine the scope of the works to be delivered under this grant. As a result, the concept plan was revised so that vehicle access onto Veronica Street can remain.

Parklets were installed on Veronica and Kelton Streets, along with footpath treatments and trees next to the Post Office and a trial was completed in June 2023. With the trial now complete, the two parklets on Kelton Street remain in place as a result of community feedback. 


Council received a State Government grant to establish a temporary flexible outdoor space with trees, planter boxes, tables, seating and a temporary stage area. The original concept design involved the closure of the Main Road end of Veronica Street for several months, to trial a temporary park structure in Cardiff local centre.

Council staff worked with the Veronica Place Reference Group to refine the scope of the works to be delivered under this grant. As a result, the concept plan was revised so that vehicle access onto Veronica Street can remain.

Parklets were installed on Veronica and Kelton Streets, along with footpath treatments and trees next to the Post Office and a trial was completed in June 2023. With the trial now complete, the two parklets on Kelton Street remain in place as a result of community feedback. 


  • New artworks bring colour to Cardiff

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    The work of local street artists is set to enliven the Cardiff town centre as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s Veronica Place streetscape improvement project.

    Council received grant funding through the Transport for NSW Streets as Shared Spaces program to undertake the Veronica Place project, which has already delivered a trial of parklets on Veronica and Kelton streets, as well as new footpath treatments, public art and street trees within the town centre.

    Artwork adorning the exterior of Australia Post was removed when the parklet trial ended in June 2023 but it’s set to make a return later this year.

    Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain said Council was pleased to continue its partnership with Australia Post to deliver two new public artworks for the community to enjoy in mid-December 2023.

    “Engaging local artists to create two exciting new artworks on the Australia Post office is a smart use of our remaining grant funding – with the festive season upon us, these works will help lift the spirit of shoppers visiting local retailers and will continue to activate the town centre moving forward,” Mr Hain said.

    Local artists Mitch Berrigan and Ang Budden have been selected through an expression of interest process to design and install the new artworks that will acknowledge, strengthen and celebrate the Cardiff community.

    Council had previously planned to use some remaining grant funding to install a new water bubbler within the Cardiff town centre. Following investigations, the installation of a water bubbler is not practical given the utility infrastructure in the proposed location. An existing water bubbler is available next to Cardiff Library.

    Mitch Berrigan artwork concept

    Ang Budden artwork concept


  • October 2023 community update

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    The NSW Government has granted Lake Macquarie City Council the use of remaining funds from the Veronica Place Streets as Shares Spaces Program pilot project for the delivery of two additional scope items including:

    • two artworks by local artists to be installed on the Cardiff Australia Post Office front and side windows
    • a water bubbler to be installed in the town centre.

    Artworks

    During the pilot project Council, in collaboration with Australia Post, exhibited a local artwork on the Cardiff Post Office windows. Council is proud to continue its partnership with Australia Post to exhibit two additional local artworks on the front and side windows of the Post Office fronting Main Road and Veronica Street.

    The artworks have been selected through an Expression of Interest process where emphasis was placed on works being produced by local artists.

    It is anticipated that the artworks will be installed in December 2023 and are intended to be exhibited for a period of 18 months. Council hopes to continue to strengthen its partnership with Australia Post over this time and exhibit additional local artworks in the future.

    Water bubbler

    Feedback from the local community during the pilot project period indicated that there was a lack of a conveniently located drinking water facilities within the Cardiff town centre.

    While there is an existing water bubbler located next to Cardiff Library, it is not easily accessible from shops and businesses on Main Road.

    Council in currently investigating locations for the installation of a new water bubbler within the Cardiff town centre and anticipates that installation will occur in December 2023.

  • Veronica Place Cardiff

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    Part of Cardiff’s town centre will be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space as part of a pilot program run in partnership with the NSW Government.

    Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain said the proposed shared space at the end of Veronica Street, called Veronica Place, would beautify the streetscape and increase community engagement.

    “We’re creating a vibrant and safe space where families, residents and workers can go to relax, eat, connect and entertain” Mr Hain said.

    “We know that Cardiff has enormous potential and this is one way we can breathe new life into the area and support local businesses and the economy.”

    The temporary installation will close part of Veronica Street to host bench and shaded seating, trees, pavement artwork and a stage – which Council will utilise by hosting three events at the site.

    Veronica Place will run for six months from October 2022 to April 2023.

    As part of the pilot program, Council will monitor usage and demand for the space to see if it should become a permanent fixture.

    Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser encouraged the community to take advantage of the shared space, once operational.

    “COVID-19 has been very isolating, so a space like this will encourage residents of all ages to reconnect and socialise with each other,” Cr Fraser said.

    “It will have positive flow on effects for Cardiff businesses.”

    Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the NSW Government had invested $496,000 in the important pilot program.

    “The Streets as Shared Spaces program is increasing foot traffic in communities around the state which supports the recovery of local businesses at a crucial time,” Mr Stokes said.

    “We’re investing in Veronica Place to make it a better place for people.”

    “This benefits local business by bringing the community together to enjoy the vibrancy Cardiff has to offer.”

    Veronica Street will be closed at the intersection of Main Road at Cardiff.