A shore thing: upgrades to Bulli’s beachfront shared path

The narrow asphalt shared path along Trinity Row at Bulli Beach is set for a makeover with plans for a new four-metre-wide shared pathway currently on public exhibition.

The plans are in response to community feedback and requests for Council to look at opportunities to improve this very popular stretch along the waterfront.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the current infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose and the proposed works will reduce congestion and provide more space for people to enjoy this area.

“We know how special this stretch of the coast is to locals and visitors alike – it has always been popular, and we’ve only seen this popularity grow throughout COVID and then across summer,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“We recently put in a new playground in this area and now we’re moving forward on the next steps to improve this community space.’’

The plan features many upgrades across this site with ageing sections of the shared path being replaced with a new, wider shared pathway from Farrell Road to Park Road. Sections of the shared path will be widened to 4 metres, and a new accessible picnic shelter and path connecting to the shelter will be built.

The Trinity Row upgrades will also include new fences to keep path users away from the edge of the embankment and rocks below, and to separate the playground from shared path traffic.

To improve safety and accessibility, the existing accessible parking spaces will be relocated and connected with a new path. The final pathway link shown between the shelter and café will be built later, when the café undergoes renovation.

Finally, upgrades will establish connecting paths to the playground equipment, playground shelter, repositioned bubbler, and surf club carpark with new footpath connections.

These works are scheduled to begin in mid-2023. Full details on planned works are available on Council’s website.

“The community has told us that accessibility and safety are the top priorities for this project. Our aim is to provide enough space for pedestrians and cyclists, similar to other high-traffic coastal shared paths like Wollongong’s Blue Mile,” said Cr Bradbery.

“Locals will know that the Trinity Row shared path allows a wide variety of activities. You’ll see families walking dogs and teaching kids how to ride bikes, friends going for a relaxing walk with their morning coffee, and the more spirited among us going for a run, bike ride, or carrying a surfboard to the beach.

“What we’re looking to address and improve here is the path itself, which is narrow, worn and aged, and provide improved picnicking spaces. This area is popular year-round and it’s important that anyone with feedback or comment makes their voice heard so this project meets community needs, said Cr Bradbery.”

Establishing and upgrading existing shared paths is part of Council’s commitment to the Wollongong Cycling Strategy 2030 [PDF]. The Trinity Row shared path and picnic shelter are in the greater Waniora Point Bulli precinct. This area is an Aboriginal heritage site, and proposed projects are investigated and assessed before approval.

You can learn more about the Waniora Point Overview Plan at Our Wollongong.

Letters will be sent to residents and businesses to encourage feedback on the Trinity Row Shared Path and Picnic Shelter Plan, but comments can also be submitted by:

• Completing the online survey on Our Wollongong
• Ask questions in the online Q&A section
• Emailing engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
• Phoning 02 4227 7111
• Writing to: The Engagement Team, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500
• Visiting: Council’s Customer Service Centre, 41 Burelli St, Wollongong

Feedback is open until 3 April 2023.