WINDSOR LIVEABILITY PROJECT

The Western Parkland City Liveability Program is a key commitment of the Western Sydney City Deal. The City Deals Liveability Program was established to enable each Council to implement a project to provide infrastructure improvements that will improve the built and natural environments and enable economic and social prosperity. In September 2018, under this Program, Council resolved to undertake town centre improvements in Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor.

This work is a foundation piece aimed at revitalising our public spaces to support and create economic development and social interaction within each centre. The public domain works aim to address the Hawkesbury’s underperforming town centres by undertaking public space rejuvenation, leveraging the rich historic and natural amenity of the Hawkesbury’s towns and villages.

The $18.75 million project is enhancing the town centres of Richmond, South Windsor and Windsor and will include new feature paving, street furniture, garden beds and lighting in these three popular centres, as well as pedestrian safety and accessibility upgrades.

We will also be planting more than 300 mature trees along the roadways to form three green boulevards in these major centres, improving the visual and environmental amenity of these towns and helping combat urban heat. This is thanks to a $1.244 million Greening Our Cities grant from the NSW Government in association with Local Government Association NSW.

Windsor

Stage 1

KK Civil has been awarded the tender to complete the project for George Street Stage 1 from Windsor Train Station to Fitzgerald Street.

Stage one of the works commenced on Monday, 24 June in section 1 between the railway station and Hawkesbury Valley Way, before working its way north towards the mall. The works will be completed in various sections, and using a combination of day and night works, to minimise disruption and impact on the community. Works are currently underway in the following sections:

Section 6 - between Dight Street and Suffolk Street, on the east side of George Street

Section 7 - between new Street and Fitzgerald Street, on the west side of George Street

Section 8 - between Suffolk Street and Fitzgerald street, on the east side of George Street

Stages 1A and 2

Additional stages will include George Street to Thompson Square (stage 1A) and Windsor Mall (stage 2). These stages have finalised concept plans, which were endorsed to progress to detailed design at the Council meeting on Tuesday, 13 August, and are available HERE and under the documents tab for the community to view.

Detailed design planning is now underway and stage 1A has commenced the select tender process. On ground works are not anticipated until January 2025, beginning with stage 1A. As the project progresses and more updates on stages become available, they will be posted here and communicated to the community.

What’s Changing

The project will involve tree planting of established trees on the footpath verge, where possible, as well as along the edge of the roadway. The roadway tree locations have been carefully planned to maintain driver and pedestrian safety and to minimise the loss of car parking spaces. Barriers will be installed around trees planted on the roadway for the convenience of motorists.

Trees planted will use strata vault technology – a root planting structure that prevents tree roots from lifting the footpath and roadway. The trees – a combination of Brush Box, Crepe Myrtle, and Weeping Lily Pilly – were selected by tree specialists to be the right species for this location.

Council will also replace existing old pavers from Tebbutt Street to Fitzgerald Street and from Christie Street to Fitzgerald Street with new pavers. The asphalt footpaths will also be paved.

Existing pedestrian crossings between Tebbutt Street and Fitzgerald Street will be upgraded with low gardens and better lighting to improve the safety and visibility of pedestrian crossings.

Why are these changes happening?

Hawkesbury City Council received NSW Government funding as part of the Greening Our City Grant program, which supports local councils to undertake tree planting and greening projects in their local government area, with a focus on cooling and greening streets, parks, and active transport routes. For Windsor, this will create a shady and beautiful tree lined boulevard along one of our busiest business and shopping areas, reducing temperatures, and making George Street an even more enjoyable space to visit. Trees in urban areas can reduce temperatures in the immediate area by up to 8C, improve air quality, reduce summer power bills by 12-15 per cent through reduced air-conditioner use, and provide habitat for local fauna.

The existing footpath from Tebbutt Street to Fitzgerald Street and from Christie Street to Fitzgerald Street will also be replaced with all new brick pavers to improve safety and to provide a fresh and upbeat streetscape outlook. Pavers selected for Stage 1 follow results of community consultation that was undertaken in June 2023, here on the Your Hawkesbury, Your Say page.

How do I stay informed?

Are you a business owner in Windsor Town Centre? If you would like to subscribe to further updates, please email business@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Community members can stay up to date by checking this page, keeping an eye on the Hawkesbury City Council Facebook page or checking the website at https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/current-projects-near-you/liveability-projects

South Windsor

The construction works in South Windsor Town Centre have been completed.

South Windsor Town Centre has received realigned parking compliant accessible spaces in Mullinger Lane, pedestrian crossings introduced and upgraded, lighting, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) garden beds, street tree planting, footpath upgrades (paving and furniture) and crossing upgrades.

Richmond

The construction works in Richmond Town Centre have been completed.

Richmond Town Centre has received tree planting, paving upgrades, crossing upgrades as well as new street furniture and open space improvements.

The Liveability Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Hawkesbury City Council.

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