New coastal connection complete

Enhancing accessibility for all, we've installed a new 110 metre ramp at Queenscliff Headland. This vital upgrade ensures everyone, from young families and children to seniors and those with mobility needs, can safely enjoy our iconic coastal views. A raised intersection treatment has also been constructed at the corner of Bridge Road and lower Greycliff Street as part of the upgrade.

Two options were considered for the ramp design with a straight ramp being constructed due to its minimal visual impact, the reduced level of rock excavation required, less disruption for residents, shorter construction period, minimal stormwater and service relocations and a significantly lower cost.

The historical staircase at Queenscliff Headland was preserved and maintained as part of this project.

The project took just over 3 months to complete with minimal disruption to the community.

The $1.1M project is proudly funded by the NSW Governments NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

At its meeting on 24 September 2019, Council resolved to further explore a footpath on the north side of Greycliffe Street as the preferred concept option to improve accessibility to Queenscliff Headland.

Two potential concept designs were developed, aimed at providing improved pedestrian access between upper and lower Greycliffe Street.

Community engagement was undertaken on these two options between 19 November and 20 December 2020 with almost 250 submissions received during this time. The results from engagement showed that the switch back ramp option (Option 2/B) was the more popular choice (61%) as it was considered a more accessible solution. Twenty nine percent of respondents preferred the straight ramp (Option 1/A), while 10% didn't provide an answer to that question.

Option A is a straight, two metre wide path from the bottom of the existing stairs to midway along upper Greycliffe Street. The path would vary in gradient following the existing rock cutting to help reduce impact and construction costs.

To improve pedestrian safety, a raised intersection treatment would be added at the corner of Bridge Road and lower Greycliff Street.

Decision: The straight ramp option was selected as the preferred choice due to its minimal visual impact, reduced rock excavation requirements, lower disruption for residents, shorter construction timeline, limited stormwater and service relocations, and significantly lower cost.

Option B consists of a 1.5 metre wide ramp that begins and ends at the existing stairs, with a switchback halfway up the slope. This ramp would maintain a shallower gradient and incorporate flat rest points.

To improve pedestrian safety, a raised intersection treatment would be added at the corner of Bridge Road and lower Greycliff Street.

Initial investigations indicate that this option may increase the amount of rock cutting required and is likely to take longer and cost more to construct.