Streets as Shared Spaces - Rose Bay

In 2023, Woollahra Council trialled temporary activations in the Rose Bay Centre, which is a key local centre focused around New South Head Road along the South Head peninsula. The Rose Bay Centre Connectivity program was made possible by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program. The initiative aimed to create a more connected, pedestrian-friendly and memorable destination that people wanted to return to again and again.

Council staff engaged the Curators’ Department and Caper Creative to work with local artists, businesses and the community to transform underutilised spaces into attractive destinations reflecting Rose Bay’s unique identity. Through colourful murals, plantings, paintings, wayfinding and lighting, Collins Laneway was upgraded to create a Mediterranean feel. Meanwhile, murals, dog-themed painted bollards and plantings by Aboriginal-owned nursery IndigiGrow around Percival Laneway & Park celebrated and enhanced the local area, and connections to the Rose Bay dog beach. 

Further works included a temporary pedestrian crossing, an accessible parklet, decorative lighting in Pannerong Reserve, and a large and eye catching mural by Artist Claire Foxton in Wilberforce car park.

Collins Lane

Collins Lane has been given a new lease on life thanks to artist Alice McAuliffe's colourful work, Concrete Carpet, which was inspired by the colourful baroque and high renaissance styles of Italy.

Before

After, image by Steven Siewert

Percival Lane

At Percival Lane, Sharon Billinge’s giant artworks called Beach, Bark and Banksias pays tribute to Rose Bay’s famous dog beach and its native flora.

Before

After, image by Steven Siewert

Wilberforce Avenue carpark

Claire Foxton's artwork Boowambillee (Shark Island) has livened up the otherwise drab concrete carpark walls. The artwork is inspired by Boowambillee (Shark Island), the roughly shark-shaped island surrounded by the waters of Rose Bay. It also features Rani, the first Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner which launched from Boowambillee/Shark Island on Boxing Day 1945.

Before

After

Collins Avenue Parklet

We've installed a new parklet (temporary seating area) at Collins Avenue opposite Percival Park. The parklet is designed to be enjoyed by all so why not sit down and enjoy a takeaway coffee by one of the many cafes nearby or stop by after a day at the beach.

New parklet on Collins Avenue

Percival Park

You will also notice upgrades to Percival Park with a newly planted garden installed by IndigiGrow, festoon lighting and colourful bollards. Be sure to take your pup to Rose Bay Dog Beach and snap a picture of your fur friend in front of the bollards #PupparazziShot.

Image by Steven Siewert