Streets as Shared Spaces
Morph It will see Council unlock public space in Morpeth through a suite of quick, engaging and high impact temporary interventions that build upon the unique character of the historic township of Morpeth.
Morph It will act as a catalyst to increase visitation to the streets of Morpeth and encourage social connection through the installation of two temporary parklets, creative road surface treatments and temporary road closures and activations that are designed to bend the public’s perception of how our streets can be used.
The project will run from mid October until late November.
A dedicated walking and cycle path on a section of Queens Wharf Road connecting Swan Street to the picturesque Queens Wharf area will improve cycleability and walkability in Morpeth. The 150m cycle way will be marked with a creative road surface treatment.
Two unique, themed outdoor seating and dining parklets will be installed on Swan Street, each with an underlying theme or colour scheme that connects to the unique township of Morpeth. The parklets will support greater outdoor seating opportunity and will temporarily change the dynamic between traditional parking and pedestrian areas in Swan Street in a unique and creative way.
The parklets will each take up approximately six metres, which is approximately the equivalent of the space allowed for a single car parking space.
As part of the Streets as Shared Spaces project, a section of parking on the northern side of Swan Street will be temporarily changed from parallel parking to 60 degree rear to kerb parking. It is estimated this change will result in a gain of approximately seven parking spaces in this section of Swan Street and more than offset the loss of parking spaces resulting from the installation of the two parklets.
A creative road surface treatment, street furniture and possible overhead shade installation in Berkley Street will create a vibrant platform for pop up activations and local produce markets, music, street performance and interactive play spaces. This visually appealing project will create a unique and inviting space for the community and visitors to enjoy. Berkley Street, between Swan Street and Close Street will be closed to traffic from Swan Street throughout the project.
A creative road surface treatment will also be installed in Green Street, between Swan Street and Elizabeth Street. As part of the project, this space will be used for a range of pop up activations, live music, activities and more. Temporary road closures will be used throughout the project period, which will balance access requirements and the activation program.
ACTIVATION PROGRAM
Engaging artists, creatives, Morpeth businesses and the community, a diverse program of activities that pay homage to Morpeth’s rich history and unique character will be developed. The activities will run for the length of the project period, from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 29 November 2020. The activities will appeal to a broad audience and will include after dark activities aimed to boost the night time economy in Morpeth, daytime play spaces, pop up activations and local produce markets.
EXPECTED ROAD CLOSURE AND PARKING CHANGES
In order to deliver the above projects, a range of temporary changes to parking and streets will be implemented during the project period. Whilst still being finalised, the changes are likely to include:
Berkley Street (between Swan Street and Close Street) will be closed to traffic from Swan Street. NB Access to the properties located between Swan Street and Close Street will be maintained via Close Street.
Green Street (between Swan Street and Close Street) will be closed to all non local traffic. NB Access will be maintained to the doctor surgery and pathology parking areas during operating hours.
Queens Wharf Road: Changed conditions on Queens Wharf Road may apply during the marking of the shared lane. Access to Queens Wharf is expected to be maintained throughout the entire project period.
The Parking Pilot will temporarily modify the parking in front of 148 and 154 Swan Street, and temporarily replace the parallel parking with 45 degree parking spaces and wheel stops where required. The changes in this section are expected
to result in a gain of seven parking spaces during the program.
Once Installed, each parklet will utilise approximately six metres (approximately one parking space) in Swan Street. Parklets are proposed to be installed in front of 131 and 160 Swan Street.
The temporary loss of these spaces will be offset by the spaces gained through the aforementioned Parking Pilot.
Temporary changed traffic conditions on Swan Street may apply during the installation of the parklets and marking of the additional 45 degree parking spaces. Changes would likely apply during week commencing 19 October.
Click the below image to see a map of the activated areas.
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