By ANNA USHER

Three of Mosman’s key streets will be decked out with festoon lights, new paving, and flexible furniture thanks to a $500,000 government grant designed to transform popular public spaces.

Council released concept designs for Middle Head Road, Avenue Road and Mosman Square and Village Green on Monday, with residents encouraged to share their feedback on the project.

“Improvements are planned to help transform three locations in Mosman into event-ready spaces and make it safer and more affordable to deliver community events and markets,” Council said.

Additional power outlets, removable bollards, festive lighting and road surface upgrades will boost the suburbs local economy and improve regular community events, with physical works planned for 2027.

“Mosman Council recognised this as an opportunity to respond to community concerns regarding limited nightlife by further invigorating the Mosman Markets and expanding the network of event-ready street locations across the business centre,” a spokesperson said.

Consultation with stall holders and a review of last year’s Festival of Mosman highlighted several barriers to delivering community events, which increase costs for applicants and limited activation potential.

“While successful, the 2025 Festival Street Party at Middle Head Road exposed insufficient power supply and challenges caused by the steep road camber when setting up stages and stalls,” Council said.

“And, the popularity of Mosman Markets has intensified demand for reliable power, particularly for food stalls at easily accessible locations to enhance safety.”

The makeover project comprises two key components: streamlining event approval processes and delivering enabling place infrastructure.

Streamline street event approvals

• Develop a standardised, overarching Traffic Management Plan (TMP) that event organisers can adopt and activate for road closures associated with street events.
• Review and standardise the event application process.
• Convert the existing “Sustainable Event Management Plan” form into a web-based platform to improve efficiency in assessment and approvals.

Enabling place infrastructure

• Upgrade power infrastructure for Middle Head Road and the Village Green area (including potential capacity upgrades at the Civic Centre building or Allan Border Oval Pavilion).
• Install additional power outlets at key locations across Middle Head Road, Avenue Road, and the Village Green to enhance functionality and safety.
• Install removable bollards at Middle Head Road and the Village Green to support more efficient event operations.
• Install festoon lighting across Middle Head Road, Avenue Road, and the Village Green.
• Regrade the road surface on Middle Head Road to correct existing slope issues.
• Deliver additional place-enabling works aligned with the preliminary concept design prepared by SJB Architects (SJB).

Community submissions are open until Monday 21 September, with works taking place between August and December next year.

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