What's happening on Darby Street?
The Streets as Shared Spaces (SaSS) Trial Activation of Darby Street will work to improve the outdoor dining experience in this popular area, as well as improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
The six-month trial which began on 29 September 2022, has allowed for footpath widening between Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants, increasing the available space for outdoor dining. This has been made possible by extending a temporary dining platform, made from environmentally friendly materials over existing car parking spaces.
The temporary loss of these and other car parking spaces in the area has been offset by converting existing paid all day parking behind the Newcastle Library into free, 2 hour parking spaces during the trial. Convenient drop-off /pick-up zones near the shops and eateries, has also been installed.
The trial has been made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW State Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2). The program funds trials that support immediate community needs and test and build the case for more permanent changes that positively impact local economies and community health and wellbeing.
Find out more on the Darby Street SaSS Trial in our answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Key features of the trial:
- Improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists with the installation of traffic calming infrastructure to reduce driver speeds.
- New paving, lighting and public art including murals to inject new life into the Headphones Courtyard. A new pedestrian crossing leading to the courtyard to improve accessibility and safety.
- Extended outdoor dining space and widened footpath between Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants.
- A mobile trailer parklet providing additional seating
 Pedestrian Crossing | 
Chalk the Walk, Newcastle |  Temporary Dining Deck |  Headphones Courtyard |
Have your say
Stage 2 consultation
Community engagement on the trial is open until 28 February 2023, to submit an online feedback form, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Darby-SaSS.
The outcomes of the Darby Street trial, including the results of community consultation and data analysis, will be presented to Councillors, for the potential retention of infrastructure installed for the trial.
Stage 1 consultation was undertaken from Monday 16 May to Monday 13 June 2022. Thank you for having your say during this first round of consultation. The results informed the delivery of the trial.
Latest news
08 Feb 2023 - Darby Street trial creates record trade boom for local businesses
13 Oct 2022 - Community invited to join the party on Darby Street
29 Sep 2022 - Darby Street outdoor dining transformation begins
17 Aug 2022 - Council to consider Darby Street trial concept following support from community
15 May 2022 - New ideas for improved public space coming to Darby Street
