Safer entertainment area expected through road restriction trial

Council is trialling a street closure for Hood and part of Alexandra streets over the next six months. The trial involves installing retractable bollard fittings in the roadway that will recess underground when not in use.

CityHeart representative and place manager Ree Varcoe says the bollards have been installed to make the area safer at night, more inviting and to place a pedestrian priority in the zone.

“The bollards can also be used for the increasing number of special events staged on Hood Street, without the intrusion of additional water-filled barriers, high fencing or security staff which would normally be required for temporary closures.”

The retractable bollards were installed late November: seven across the east end of Hood Street, Hood Street west of Alexandra Street (by The Fireplace) and on Alexandra Street just south of the Farmers car park. Street signs have been erected and flyers advising of the change have been distributed onto cars parked in the area on the evenings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to the start of the trial and will continue for a period following it.

The trial will start at the beginning of December (Thursday night 4 December) and will operate three nights per week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 10pm until 4am.

Drivers wanting to exit the area after 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday or in need of some related assistance can call Council’s 24/7 teleops (phone 838 6699). The City Safe Patrol teams will continue to be working in the area.

Halfway through the trial a snapshot review will be undertaken with a full review at the end of the six month period.

“Council is committed to making the CityHeart a more vibrant and safe place to live, work and play. Having open and safe spaces for walking and gathering during times of high volume and ‘relaxed’ behaviour are part of this consideration. We expect this trial to be a positive move for the area and the CityHeart.”