Improving Pedestrian Traffic Flow - Kings Cross

Stakeholders:

St Vincents Hospital

Kings Cross Police

City of Sydney

A solution to the problem promotes the notion of ‘street culture’ to encourage a positive party environment while reducing road and pedestrian congestion.

The solution aims to reinvigorate the unused laneways that offer potential alternative pedestrian thoroughfares. Kellett Way and Barncleuth Lane offer the opportunity to direct pedestrian flow away from the main drag of Kings Cross (Darlinghurst and Bayswater Roads).

The proposal is to install a series of light projections in these laneways. The light projections will be bright and colourful, and will feature life-sized human silhouettes interacting in a friendly manner - walking and chatting.

Additional light displays directing pedestrians towards the laneways will be staged at appropriate junctures. The light displays will be switched off during daylight hours to facilitate the normal daytime usage of the laneways.

Visually attractive light projections would introduce a light-hearted and fun atmosphere into normally dark laneways. It is hoped pedestrains will be encourgaed and attracted to use laneways as thoroughfares due to the improved visibility.

Increased patronage of the laneways as a result of the light projections will both increase safety (through natural surveillance) and foster a perception of safety. By reducing pedestrian congestion on the main strip the opportunities for conflict (facilitated by physical contact) will be reduced.

Use of the lanes will have the ultimate outcome of relieving congestion on Darlinghurst and Bayswater Roads and reducing much of the disorder that is apparent on weekend nights.