Hornsby Shire Council to revitalise Galston Village
Galston Village will undergo significant enhancements to its main street and surrounding areas, transforming it into a vibrant place to relax, dine and play, while preserving its unique character. At its General Meeting last night, Council endorsed the draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan and will now undertake detailed design development, guided by the feedback from the community.
With anticipated increases in visitors to the semi-rural and regional attraction, plans include improved walking and cycling networks, a new centrally located sheltered bus stop and enhanced safety with traffic calming measures, angled parking and a new pedestrian crossing.
Additional features, including more street trees, outdoor seating, informal gathering areas, and bike facilities, will enhance the village’s ambiance and provide convenient amenities for locals and visitors to enjoy.
"I am very pleased to see the Galston Village enhancements moving forward,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO. “The community support highlights how important these improvements are, ensuring Galston Village remains an inviting destination for years to come.
“The planned tree planting and other new features will enhance the village's charm, reflecting the green environment that Hornsby Shire is known and loved for.”
The draft Plan received 68 online submissions from the community during Council’s five-week exhibition period, with the majority expressing strong support for the proposed enhancements. Council will maintain liaison with commercial landowners in the shopping precinct, continue to review options for public toilets and pursue approval for roadway works with Transport for New South Wales.
The Galston Village Public Domain Plan is specified in Council’s Delivery Program 2024-2027, which identifies a need for the creation of vibrant town centres in Hornsby Shire. The improvements to Galston Village will support the local economy and encourage visitation to Hornsby Shire. Construction is due to commence in 2025.
The project was also identified in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and will receive funding to see it through to completion over the next two financial years.
Also at last night’s meeting, Council:
- Adopted the draft Social Plan 2024-2034
- Adopted the draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029
- Resolved to proceed with construction of an off-leash dog park at Fagan Park
- Approved the draft Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024
- Received and noted the contents of the Director’s Report on investments and borrowings for the period ending 31 May 2024
- Resolved to write to the Premier of NSW and relevant minsters and MPs requesting they honour the previous government’s commitment to funding for improvements to New Line Road and a further commitment be made to pedestrian access and safety.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from Friday afternoon.
