MEDIA RELEASE - $12.4m second stage of major upgrade to Cronulla Plaza officially underway
The next significant stage in long-term plans to transform one of the Sutherland Shire’s most iconic retail strips officially got underway today, with the first sod turned to mark the start of construction on the $12.4m second phase of Council’s revitalisation of the Cronulla Plaza.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Cr Carmelo Pesce and Councillor Marcel Elzerman were joined by representatives from the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce and local business operators for the official turning of the first sod on the project, heralding the start of the next major stage of the planned regeneration of Cronulla town centre.
Construction of Stage 2 will primarily focus on the pedestrian mall between Purley Place and the Town Square amphitheatre area. Key enhancements include upgraded lighting to enhance safety, new paving, improved seating options, two new destination playgrounds, and the introduction of a variety of trees to provide shade and greenery to the strip.
Mayor Pesce said he was excited to see the second stage of the project get underway, delivering on a shared vision held by Council and local business leaders for the Plaza to remain a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
"We are ecstatic to see this next stage of works to revitalise the Cronulla Plaza now taking off, with these works set to not only improve the overall aesthetics of the area but also enhance the shopping experience for all who visit Cronulla,” Mayor Pesce said.
Council consulted with the local community in 2020, requesting feedback on the Cronulla Town Centre Public Domain Masterplan, which has shaped the vision for what will become a flexible public space, offering improved capacity for everyday use and play as well as for performances, film nights and markets.
The initial works are expected to be completed by June 2024, with the next stage of major works, extending from the amphitheatre to The Kingsway, commencing shortly thereafter.
“We have worked closely with local businesses to minimise disruption and maintain pedestrian access during the construction phase. Construction will pause over December and January so our local businesses can maximise opportunities during the crucial Christmas trading period and to ensure the Plaza remains an inviting destination to shop, dine and socialise during the peak summer months,” Mayor Pesce said.
To date, some minor upgrades have taken place in preparation for the next two stages, and recent changes in the retail makeup of Cronulla Plaza have already opened opportunities for new businesses to establish a presence in this popular shopping strip. Local shoppers can look forward to the arrival of big-name traders, further enriching the shopping experience.
Sutherland Council is excited about the transformation that will take place in Cronulla Plaza and look forward to the community enjoying the finished product. For more information and updates on the Cronulla Plaza revitalisation project, please visit Cronulla Town Centre Stage 2 - Plaza upgrade
This project is part of an ambitious $76 million investment in capital works projects across the Sutherland Shire, reflecting Council’s commitment to continue to deliver quality infrastructure and services that the community expect and deserve, and for visitors to enjoy.
For further detail on wider capital works projects planned across the Shire, you can refer to Council's recently adopted Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2023/24.