A vibrant street maximising space for civic enjoyment at the heart of a community’s social and cultural life.

A civic high street is the heart of town or city centre, offering people a high-quality public domain for walking, shopping, playing and cultural activities. Motor vehicle access may be as a 10km/h shared zone or restricted to service vehicles and managed times. Without vehicles, these streets can accommodate a variety of uses, including markets, performances and other public events.

Common issues

Civic high streets can maintain a road character if space is not reallocated towards walking and place activity on the former carriageway - even when shared space signage and seating is installed.

While the kerbless environment is good for walking and a useful civic space, the lack of demarcation can be a safety risk for some, such as people with vision impairment.

• a lack of demarcation between footpaths and travel lanes
• road layouts that encourage higher vehicle speeds than signposted
• a lack of tree planting to provide shade and shelter
• limited places to stop and rest.

Design solutions for civic high streets with shared traffic

Off street loading docks are preferable if they can be incorporated during the development phase for civic high streets. Restricting vehicular access while maintaining operational needs like deliveries may require time-based solutions such as retractable bollards or restricted access periods.

[1] Places to stop and rest (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[2] Shared zones (NSW Speed Zoning Standard, TS 03631)

[3] Distinct tree planting pattern (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[4] Shorelines demarcating between vehicles and footpath (Design for Access and Mobility, AS 1428 Part 1)

[5] Short-term last mile freight and servicing access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

Design solutions for civic high streets with restricted vehicle access

Designing new streets without direct vehicular access (driveways) is encouraged to minimise vehicle demand and create a more walking friendly environment.

Flush conditions with careful design attention to accessibility requirements and drainage can bring many benefits to users and transform the civic character of a precinct.

[1] Places to stop and rest (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[2] Timed vehicle access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

[3] Distinct tree planting pattern (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[4] Short-term last mile freight and servicing access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit).

The design solutions library includes a full list of appropriate design solutions for civic high streets.

These solutions can be complemented with placemaking interventions and NSW Public Spaces Charter.