Getting around Wingara Reserve in Belrose will soon become a lot easier after the Northern Beaches Council announced that the construction of the Belrose shared path is finally underway.
The path would be approximately 400 metres in length and have a typical width of 2.5 metres. It will provide a safer walking and cycling route, allowing greater accessibility for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
It will be constructed using a sustainable, eco-concrete material approximately 400 metres in length and three metres in width. Once complete, it will connect local streets with Glenrose Shopping Centre, Lionel Watts Reserve transport, and schools.
Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea said: “The new shared path at the Wingara Reserve ticks all the boxes for sustainability, healthy activity, and community connection and enhances the revitalization of the area around Glen St and the Lionel Watts Regional Sporting Facility.”
Many locals support the plan, noting that it would improve access from nearby streets to the Glenrose Shopping Centre, be safer and easier for prams, scooters and mobility scooters and would encourage walking or riding instead of driving. It would also get foot traffic off the neighbouring streets and allow access in all weather.
On the other hand, some residents wanted to make sure their green spaces would be maintained and protected. Responding to this concern, Council said no trees are identified for removal and that they will add new tree plantings to enhance the existing native trees on the reserve.
This project is being delivered as part of the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, adopted by Council in July 2020, with a vision to create a safer environment for people cycling on both paths and roads.
Work began in the middle of February 2021. Based on Council’s timeline, the Belrose pathway should be ready for the community to enjoy in April 2021
In addition to the Belrose shared path, several other paths are expected to be completed in March, including the 400-metre shared path that will connects Allambie Shops through to Warringah Road and the 140-metre path through Catalpa Reserve, Avalon Beach between Central Road and the Appian Way.
For the latest updates about this project, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.