We're seeking feedback on a proposal to create a new pedestrian space on Carlisle Street, Leichhardt as a 12-month trial.

The proposal aims to transform part of Carlisle Street into a welcoming public space that supports local businesses, provides outdoor dining opportunities and creates a more attractive place for people to gather and spend time.

Feedback received during this exhibition will help Council decide whether to proceed with the trial.

The proposed trial includes:

• Construction of a timber deck and pedestrian space
• New seating and street furniture
• Landscaping and planting
• Changes to on-street parking arrangements within the project area
• Changes to cycling access
• A proposed licence arrangement allowing adjacent businesses to use part of the area for outdoor dining

The proposal has been designed to improve the public domain while maintaining safe access for all users.

At its meeting on 25 August 2026 Council noted the draft concept plan for the Main Street Revitalisation works on Norton Street and Carlisle Street Leichhardt, that delivers:

a) A partial road closure in Carlisle Street to create a new public space to support community use, local business activation and events

b) Replacement of the existing parklet in front of 150–156 Norton Street with permanent footway widening

c) Renewal of the public terraced areas outside of 159 to 171 Norton Street to improve activation for outdoor dining.

d) Supporting infrastructure required to enable an ongoing program of Plug and Play street events in Leichhardt.

• In the event that Carlisle Street at Norton Street is closed to traffic, other available routes exist to supplement Carlisle Street traffic as shown in this figure.
• While Lou Street appears as the first obvious choice for an alternative route to Norton Street from Carlisle Street, Lou Street is a narrow laneway that lacks clear directional signage. Lou Street is not a suitable redirection. Council should consider one-way conversion and no-entry signs to control driver behaviour.
• Vehicles on Norton Street wishing to head to the west may instead use Allen Street or Marlborough Street before continuing onto Cromwell Street and Carlisle Street, noting that, Macauley Street is one-way eastbound.
• Vehicles travelling east along Carlisle Street towards Norton Street are able to use Cromwell Street and Macauley Street or Marlborough Street as alternative routes to access Norton Street.

Key Insights

• The number of vehicles moving through Carlisle Street is considered low.
• The surrounding road network offers a permeable network of alternative routes.
• It is likely that the surrounding local road network can absorb this traffic should Carlisle Street be closed at Norton Street.

This figure shows the signage and line marking changes suggested for Carlisle Street if the concept is implemented. This includes:

• ‘No stopping’ signage along the northern side of Carlisle Street.
• ‘Loading Zone’ signage (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm) and 2P signage (Monday-Friday 6pm-8am, Sat and Sun) on the southern side of the street. Permit holders excepted from the time limit but must adhere to loading zone restrictions.
• Signage to indicate that Lou Street (south) is one-way (northbound). ‘No left turn’ from Carlisle Street (westbound) into Lou Street (south) and ‘No right turn’ from Carlisle Street (eastbound) into Lou Street (north).
• A ‘No through road’ sign at the intersection of Lou Street and Carlisle Street to warn vehicles to redirect to access Norton Street.
• Signs that indicate pedestrian priority at either end of the cycleway.
• ‘Truck turning area’ painted on Lou Street (north) and directional arrows indicating one-way along Lou Street (north and south).
• ‘No entry’ sign at Lou Street south.
• ‘No left turn’ and ‘No right turn’ signs on Norton Street to advise of the Carlisle Street closure. Unbroken centreline may also be required.

This plan shows the suggested transport arrangements for Carlisle Street if it is closed to vehicles at Norton Street. It is suggested that:

• Parking is prohibited along the northern side of Carlisle Street to prevent conflict with cyclists and to provide more space in the street for U-turn movements.
• An extended loading zone is provided on the southern side of Carlisle Street with access for trucks via a three-point turn using Lou Street. Parking is allowed within this zone outside of loading hours (8am-6pm Monday-Friday).
• Cycle access will be improved by provision of a new 2.4m wide bi-directional cycleway (1m lane in each direction + 0.4m buffer from the new plaza/deck). It is suggested that the proposed cycleway is painted green with painted cyclist signage in alignment with the Cycleway Design Toolbox guidelines.
• A continuous footpath with crossing is over the cycleway between the northern footpath and the new plaza to provide pedestrian priority.
• Bike parking is proposed to the west of the new plaza space.
• Barriers (such as bollards or sandstone blocks) are provided on Carlisle Street for vehicle mitigation and safety.
• In order to improve clarity and safety of the road network it is suggested that Lou Street (south) is defined at one-way northbound.

Following the exhibition period, an engagement outcomes report will be presented to the November 2026 Council meeting seeking Council direction on the next steps.

To complete the survey please join to create an account, or login to an existing account. The Your Say Inner West account is separate from other Council accounts.

You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the form above
• Emailing to kurt.henkel@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
• Posting to c/o Kurt Henkel, Inner West Council, Po Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049
• Calling us on 02 9392 5782

Other ways to provide feedback:

• Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 9392 5782
• Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
  • Voice relay call 1300 555 727
  • TTY call 133 677
  • SMS relay call 0423 677 767

Last day to provide feedback is 25 October 2026.