North Sydney Council reveals $2.75 million spend to allow cars back on controversial Neutral Bay plaza.

By ANNA USHER

A temporary street plaza that cost almost $500,000 and blocked local traffic is set to be dismantled after just four years.

North Sydney Council has revealed $2.7 million plans to reintroduce vehicles on Young St in Neutral Bay, after closing the road in 2020.

The plaza, which features a “waved” artificial grass play area, has divided the community, with some calling the space “a dirty eyesore” and an “unused waste of money”.

Others however say the street plaza has added much needed open space to the suburb, which could become a “family friendly oasis” that is good for the local economy if built correctly.

Concept plans now available on the North Sydney Council website reveal $2,749,042 has been allocated to the design, tender and construction of the plaza.

The money comes from Transport for NSW grant funding, compensating the community for the disruption of the B-Line build.

Resident Kathy Fitzgerald told Mosman Collective she thought the plaza could become a community asset if built “tastefully”.

“Neutral Bay is in dire need of more open space and I think Young St has the potential to become a family friendly oasis,” she said, “it’s just a shame that the money can’t be used towards the completion of North Sydney Pool.”

Cremorne local Marilyn Fisher however, disagreed.

“I think the existing design is a dirty eyesore and nobody uses the damn thing,” she said.

“It looks appalling.”

As well as funding a traffic lane, the grant would also pay for a narrower pedestrian zone with more seating, paving upgrades and other pedestrian works.

North Sydney councillors will vote on adopting the designs at a meeting next week.

We’d love to know what you think about this important local issue. Do you think the $2.749 million could be better spent? Or, do you like the idea of a permanent plaza on Young St in Neutral Bay? Get in touch!