Parklets

Were excited to announce the parklet trial in Shellharbour Village!

When we checked in with you, you shared that you’d like to see the main street become more vibrant and welcoming. You told us you’d love more seating and greenery, plus a little extra space where the community can connect, relax, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of our village.

What is a parklet?

A parklet is a small outdoor space that extends the footpath, turning part of the road or a parking space into a spot for people to enjoy. They often include seating, greenery and shade, creating a welcoming place to sit, relax, eat, or catch up with friends. Each parklet takes up around one parking space and helps make our streets more vibrant, social, and community friendly.

Shellharbour Village Parklet Trial

This parklet trial brings the NSW Government Movement and Place Framework to life in Shellharbour Village, creating a space that balances street movement with a people-friendly, vibrant public area.

We’re trialling how the parklet can:

Make the street more social and welcoming
Encourage walking, relaxing, and interaction
Support local businesses and outdoor activity
Add greenery and comfort to the streetscape

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Planning & Design

Stage 1 consultation, site selection, purchase of parklet and safety checks.
Timeline item 2 - active

Installation

Parklet installed between Santorini By The Sea and All Harbour Thai Restaurant on Tuesday 4th November 2025.
Timeline item 3 - incomplete

Open for Community Use

The parklet is open for everyone to enjoy, relax, meet friends, and experience the space in early November 2025.
Timeline item 4 - incomplete

Initial Feedback Collection

Community invited to provide feedback via QR code through Let's Chat about the parklet.
(4 November to 2 December 2025)
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Ongoing Monitoring

Council observes parklet use, impact on surrounding area and community feedback.
Timeline item 6 - incomplete

Review Feedback

Reviews community input and trial observations to help guide future streetscape improvements.

FAQ

We’re testing how transforming a single parking space into a public space can improve social connection, support local businesses, and make the Village more welcoming for people.

Yes. It temporarily uses one parking space, but in return, it provides a new space for people to sit, relax, and enjoy the Village.

The parklet is a public space open to everyone! It’s not owned by any one business, but we (Council) expect it will benefit nearby cafés and restaurants by creating a more vibrant atmosphere.

Yes. Parklets include built-in safety barriers that protect users from the road. This trial site was carefully selected and approved by Council’s traffic team for its safe location and protection from direct vehicle movement.

The trial will run for 6–12 months, and your feedback will help decide what happens next.

The site was chosen based on its potential to benefit nearby businesses, good pedestrian access, and proximity to the foreshore. Adjacent businesses were consulted during planning, and future parklet locations may rotate across other Shellharbour centres to test different settings.

Your feedback will help Council understand what works and what doesn’t, in activating Addison Street, Shellharbour. It will inform future improvements to footpaths, greenery, lighting, public seating, and safe crossings across our town centres.

The parklet is installed between Santorini By The Sea and All Harbour Thai Restaurant, just west of the tree planter. It sits within the cluster of outdoor dining options, offering easy access for pedestrians and great foreshore views.

See the map below for the exact location.