Destination high street

Destination high streets are vibrant with an intense sense of place, supported by multi-modal movement at low speeds and volume.

Urban centre and urban destination high street

Destination high streets are attractive and popular places for gathering and retail, civic and cultural activity with relatively low through movement. These high streets are community, business and tourism destinations and the civic image of regional towns and suburban centres. These places benefit from local public transport routes and convenient short-term parking balanced with generous walking and staying spaces and attractive streetscapes. Cycling is encouraged within and to and from these areas, with bicycle parking provided at frequent intervals and important destinations.

Common issues for standard width destination high streets

a lack of crossing points mid-block and at intersections
footpaths not offering space for sitting, outdoor dining or civic uses
the dominance of car parking instead of tree planting or vegetation
wide intersections and turn lanes leading to long crossing distances and high vehicle turning speeds
poor provision for deliveries and servicing to support the activity on the street
the lack of differentiation and competition between destination and through traffic.

Design solutions for standard width destination high streets

[1] mid-block crossings (Austroads Guide to Road Design, Part 4)

[2] lower speed limit (NSW Speed Zoning Standard, TS 03631)

[3] narrowed lanes (Austroads Guide to Traffic Management, Part 8)

[4] raised safety platforms (Raised Safety Platforms, TS 00143)

[5] low verge buffer planting (Landscape Design Guideline, TS 01595)

[6] tree planting within kerb extensions (Austroads Guide to Traffic Management, Part 8)

[7] places to stop and rest (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[8] freight and servicing access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

In greenfield situations, the Guidelines for Public Transport Capable Infrastructure in Greenfield Sites should be used when determining dimensions for these streets.

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

Common issues for wide destination high streets

wide travel lanes that encourage higher vehicle speeds
a lack of crossing points mid-block and at intersections
footpaths not offering space for sitting, outdoor dining or civic uses
the dominance of car parking instead of tree planting or vegetation
wide intersections and turn lanes leading to long crossing distances and high vehicle turning speeds
roundabouts prioritising vehicles over people walking
use of fencing creating a hostile walking environment.