Merimbula Central Business District Upgrade
- Project typeInfrastructure and Environment
- Project value$2.8 million (Grant Funded)
Project summary
The Merimbula CBD Upgrade is a staged project to help deliver the long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination that prioritises people, improves public open space and strengthens the town centre.
This project focuses on rebalancing how the CBD functions so Merimbula can become a more vibrant, attractive and people-focused town centre, while maintaining access for vehicles.
The Merimbula CBD Upgrade project comprises three key elements.
Element 1- Traffic and public space activation changes
Element 1 includes proposed changes to traffic flow, parking and public space in the Merimbula CBD, based on recommendations from the Merimbula Transport Study.
The proposed traffic, parking and public space activation changes include:
New mini roundabouts
Mini roundabouts to be installed at:
- Sapphire Coast Drive and Main Street, near the Club Sapphire car park
- Main Street and Market Street, near Top Fun
- Merimbula Drive and Market Street, near Hylands Corner.
These proposed roundabouts are intended to slow vehicle speeds and simplify turning movements.
Main Street changes
- Removal of three parking spaces near Top Fun to accommodate the new roundabout
- All turns from Main Street into Beach Street will be prohibited.
Market Street changes
Between Merimbula Drive and the traffic lights at Main Street:
- Market Street proposed to become single lane southbound
- Loading zone in front of Commonwealth Bank proposed to be removed
- Bus zone and northbound bus stop on the western side of Market Street to be removed. Northbound pick up and drop off will relocate to the front of Twyford Hall.
- Parts of Market Street proposed to transition into a temporary public space activation area.
At the traffic lights:
- No right turn into Market Street heading north
- Market Street to be accessed from Merimbula Drive or Main Street.
These proposed changes aim to calm traffic, improve activation and public space, improve pedestrian safety and activity in the centre of the CBD.
Beach Street changes
- Beach Street proposed to become one way eastbound
- Introduction of a 10km shared zone along part of Beach Street
- Reconfiguration of the Beach Street car park and on-street parking
- Part of the Beach Street car park proposed to transition into a temporary public space activation area
- Parking along Beach Street proposed to be time limited to three hours
- All turning movements from Main Street into Beach Street will be prohibited.
These proposed changes are intended to reduce vehicle conflict points, improve public space activation and create safer pedestrian connections to the foreshore.
Alice Street changes
- Alice Street proposed to remain two way
- No right turn from Alice Street into Beach Street (towards Market Street).
Parking impacts
The proposed changes result in a net reduction of four parking spaces across the CBD, with some spaces removed or reconfigured.
These proposed traffic and parking changes will be installed using temporary infrastructure and monitored before Council determines which elements, if any, will be retained longer term.
Public space activation
With parts of Market Street and the Beach Street car park no longer available to vehicles, these areas are proposed to transition into temporary public spaces.
These spaces are intended to:
- Improve amenity and safety
- Encourage people to spend more time in the CBD
- Support local businesses
- Create opportunities for events, activation and community use.
A range of physical changes and a program of activities will be explored to encourage greater use of these spaces and support a more vibrant town centre.
Element 2- Hylands Corner
Element 2 focuses on improving Hylands Corner as a key community gathering space within the CBD.
Works will include:
- Structural foundation for a Christmas tree installation
- Construction of a timber stage platform, similar to the structures surrounding Monaro and Market Street intersection
- Partial roof cover over the stage platform
- Installation of bollards to the side of the driveway that goes through Hyland’s Corner
- Removal of existing furniture and installation of new furniture
- A pavement interaction play space within the central open area.
Installation of a digital sign will be progressed separately by the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce.
These upgrades aim to enhance the usability and activation of Hylands Corner and support community events and activities.
Element 3- Merimbula CBD Master Plan
Element 3 involves completion of the detailed design of a Merimbula CBD Master Plan.
This design phase will be informed by:
- The Merimbula Transport Study
- Previous plans and consultation outcomes
- Technical monitoring and traffic surveillance data from Element 1
- Community and stakeholder feedback received once the traffic and public space changes are implemented.
The detailed design will help Council determine the scope, staging and funding requirements for the longer-term redevelopment of the Merimbula CBD.
This current project will not deliver the full construction of the Merimbula CBD upgrade. It tests and validates the proposed traffic changes and prepares detailed designs to support future funding applications.
Future works, including undergrounding of power and upgrades to stormwater and utilities, would require additional funding and staged delivery.
Have Your Say on this project
Project background
Planning for improvements to the Merimbula CBD has been underway for more than a decade.
In 2015, a Merimbula CBD Landscape Masterplan(PDF, 10MB) was developed by Spiire for Bega Valley Shire Council. The masterplan aimed to create more comfortable public spaces, support economic activity and enhance cultural expression in the town centre.
This work was guided by Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040(PDF, 13MB), which establishes a long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination. The vision focuses on orienting development towards the lake, prioritising pedestrians and improving public open space, while strengthening the role of the town centre as a key economic and community hub.
Building on this work, Council undertook the Merimbula Transport Study, adopted in November 2023. The study examined traffic volumes and vehicle movements, pedestrian and cyclist access, parking supply and usage, safety data, peak holiday congestion and future growth projections.
A major community consultation was undertaken for the Merimbula CBD Landscape Master Plan and Transport Study and is outlined in the Merimbula Transport Study – Recommendations Report(PDF, 4MB).
The study identified that Merimbula CBD is currently a car dominated street network. During peak holiday periods in particular, congestion, limited pedestrian priority and complex turning movements can affect safety, accessibility and amenity.
Following extensive technical assessment and previous community consultation, the Merimbula Transport Study recommended a series of traffic flow and public space changes to:
- Improve pedestrian safety and access
- Simplify traffic movements
- Reduce vehicle dominance in key areas
- Reclaim parts of the road network for public use
- Support a more vibrant and walkable town centre
Council adopted the recommendations of the Merimbula Transport Study in 2023, noting that further funding would be required to test and validate the proposed changes.
In 2024, Council secured $2.8 million in Australian Government funding to implement the recommended traffic changes, upgrade Hylands Corner and complete the detailed design of a future Merimbula CBD Master Plan.
Purpose
Merimbula CBD plays an important role as a retail, tourism and community hub for the Bega Valley. As the town grows and visitor numbers increase, the street network must balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, businesses, visitors and residents.
The purpose of this project is to progress the long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination by improving public space, supporting local activity and creating a more people-focused town centre.
This project will also validate key recommendations from the Merimbula Transport Study in a real-world environment before committing to permanent infrastructure changes.
This project will:
- Help move towards the long-term goal of Merimbula CBD being an even better retail, entertainment and tourism precinct
- Implement temporary infrastructure and streetscape treatments to test how changes to movement and public space can improve the function of the town centre
- Improve the balance between people and vehicles to create a safer, more welcoming and more engaging CBD
- Support safer vehicle speeds in a town centre environment
- Improve active transport connectivity through the Merimbula CBD area.
How decisions will be made
The Merimbula CBD Upgrade will be delivered in stages, with community feedback considered at key decision points.
Public exhibition of proposed traffic and public spaces changes
Council will place the proposed traffic, parking and public space changes on public exhibition and invite community feedback.
During this period, the community can review the proposed changes, including maps and provide feedback through the Have Your Say page, community information sessions and direct submissions.
Following the exhibition period, a Community Consultation Summary Report will be prepared. This report will outline what was heard during consultation and identify any proposed refinements to the traffic, parking and public space changes based on community feedback and technical review.
In July 2026, Council will consider:
- The Community Consultation Summary Report
- Any recommended adjustments to the proposed traffic, parking and public space changes
- Technical and engineering advice.
Council will then decide which elements will proceed to final implementation.
The approved changes will be installed using temporary infrastructure and monitored before Council determines which elements, if any, should be retained, amended or removed as part of future planning.
Changes implementation and monitoring
- August 2026 to March 2027
The approved traffic, parking and public space changes are proposed to be installed in August and September 2026 and remain in place during the monitoring period.
During this time:
- Traffic performance, car park occupancy and pedestrian movement will be monitored using technical assessments, traffic counters and onsite observation
- Community feedback will remain open.
This period allows Council to assess impacts of the changes before making any long-term decision.
Review and Council decision
In March 2027, Council will review:
- Traffic monitoring, parking and pedestrian movement data
- Technical and engineering assessments
- Community feedback received during the monitoring period
Council will then determine which traffic, parking and public space changes will remain in place and which will be removed or amended.
Where changes are retained, they will remain in place until further funding, detailed design and future planning enable permanent construction as part of the broader Merimbula CBD Upgrade.
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan
This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:
-
Our Infrastructure: Our transport networks support our community to work, learn and socialise.
- D.3 Plan and provide for improved access to community facilities and leisure and recreation assets that will meet current and future needs
- D.4 Plan for, develop and deliver active transport options by creating paths and tracks for walking and cycling.
- D.6 Our transport network makes it easy to move through and beyond the shire
This project is outlined in Council’s Delivery Plan 2025-2029:
- Deliver trial of traffic calming measures and design for the Merimbula CBD upgrade project
- Progress the pre-construction phases for Investing in Our Communities Merimbula CBD upgrade
Frequently asked questons
What is the long-term goal for the Merimbula CBD?
The long-term goal is to deliver the vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination, as outlined in Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040(PDF, 13MB).
This vision focuses on:
- Creating a more people-focused town centre
- Improving public open space and how it is used
- Strengthening connections to the lake and foreshore
- Supporting local businesses and economic activity
- Encouraging a more active, social and welcoming CBD.
The proposed traffic and public space changes are designed to support this broader vision by helping rebalance the town centre to better support people, place and activity.
What public space improvements will be delivered?
The project includes the creation of temporary public spaces in parts of Market Street and the Beach Street car park, as well as upgrades to Hylands Corner.
These improvements aim to:
- Create more space for people to gather, relax and spend time
- Support events, outdoor dining and community activity
- Improve the look, feel and usability of the town centre
- Strengthen connections between the CBD and the foreshore.
A range of physical changes and activation opportunities will be explored to encourage greater use of these spaces and support a more vibrant CBD.
What community consultation has been undertaken so far?
Community input has played an important role in shaping this project.
Consultation was undertaken as part of:
This included engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders to understand how the town centre is used and what improvements are needed.
This current consultation provides an additional opportunity for the community to review the proposed traffic and public space changes before any implementation occurs.
How does the Merimbula CBD currently function?
The Merimbula Transport Study identified that the CBD currently functions primarily as a vehicle-focused network, particularly during peak holiday periods.
This can impact:
- Pedestrian safety and movement
- How public spaces are used
- The overall experience of the town centre.
The proposed changes aim to better balance the needs of people, place and movement, supporting a safer, more vibrant and more accessible CBD.
What are the traffic issues in Merimbula?
The Merimbula Transport Study identified several traffic challenges in the Merimbula CBD, particularly during peak holiday periods:
- Traffic congestion at key intersections
- Complex turning movements that create conflict points
- Limited pedestrian priority and crossing safety
- Vehicle speeds higher than desired in a town centre environment
- Pressure on parking turnover during busy periods
- Gaps in safe and connected walking and cycling routes
The CBD currently functions primarily as a vehicle network rather than a balanced town centre space. The proposed changes aim to better balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, businesses and visitors.
Why is Council proposing changes in the Merimbula CBD?
The proposed traffic, parking and public spaces changes are based on recommendations from the Merimbula Transport Study, adopted by Council in 2023, and support the long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination.
The study identified that the CBD is currently vehicle dominated and experiences congestion, safety concerns and limited pedestrian priority, particularly during peak holiday periods.
The project aims to:
- Improve public space and how it is used and experienced
- Support local businesses and activity
- Enhance pedestrian movement and safety
- Create a more welcoming and people-focused town centre.
Are these proposed changes permanent?
No.
The traffic, parking and public spaces changes will be installed using temporary infrastructure and be in place from August 2026 through to March 2027.
In March 2027, Council will decide which changes will remain in place and which will be removed or amended.
Where changes are retained, they will remain in place until future funding and detailed design enable permanent construction as part of the broader Merimbula CBD upgrade.
If Council already adopted the Merimbula Transport Study, will community feedback be considered?
Yes.
Council adopted the Merimbula Transport Study recommendations in principle. This project will test those recommendations in real-world conditions before committing to long-term changes in the detailed design phase and investing in future upgrades of the CBD.
We will be seeking community feedback on the proposed changes from 23 April to 21 May before any changes are implemented. Council will review that feedback and consider refinements in July 2026.
Once the changes are in place residents can provide feedback which will inform Council’s decision in March 2027 of what is retained, removed or amended.
What traffic, parking and public space changes are proposed?
The proposed changes include:
- Three new mini roundabouts
- Market Street becoming single lane southbound between Merimbula Drive and Main Street
- Beach Street becoming one way eastbound heading towards Short Point
- No turning right into Market Street at the traffic lights
- Parts of Market Street and Beach Street to be converted into temporary public space activations
- Selected turning restrictions
- Reconfigured parking
- Speed zone changes
- Public space activations including places to gather and enjoy the CBD and local events
Simplified Map- Merimbula CBD Upgrade- Proposed Changes(PDF, 409KB)
Traffic Plans- Merimbula CBD Upgrade- Proposed Changes(PDF, 6MB)
How will emergency services be affected?
Emergency services have been notified and consulted as part of the planning process.
Traffic changes are being designed to maintain emergency access while improving safety and pedestrian amenity in the CBD.
What data will be collected once the traffic, parking and public space activation changes are in place?
Council will collect:
- Traffic volume data
- Pedestrian observation data
- Parking assessments
- Community feedback
- Technical assessments
This information will inform the March 2027 Council decision.
Why is the monitoring period happening at such a busy time?
The monitoring period includes peak holiday periods deliberately.
Testing the changes during busy times provides realistic data on how the network performs under pressure.
This helps Council assess real-world impacts rather than relying only on modelling.
How long will the traffic, parking and public spaces changes be in place?
Subject to Council’s July 2026 decision, the changes will be in place from August 2026 to March 2027.
In March 2027, Council will review monitoring data and community feedback and determine which changes will remain in place, and which will be removed or amended.
Retained changes will remain until further funding and detailed design enable permanent construction as part of the broader Merimbula CBD upgrade.
Future works, including undergrounding of power and utility upgrades, will require additional funding and staged delivery.
How is it being funded?
This project is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities program.
The funding supports:
- Installation and monitoring of traffic calming measures
- Upgrades at Hylands Corner
- Detailed design of the broader CBD upgrade.
Why not deliver the full upgrade now?
The current project is funded by a $2.8 million Australian Government grant.
The complete Merimbula CBD upgrade is expected to require significantly more funding and detailed design work.
The staged approach allows Council to test traffic changes from the Merimbula Transport Study, gather data and develop a detailed design for the Merimbula CBD Upgrade that will guide future funding decisions and strengthen future grant funding applications.
How can I provide feedback?
Merimbula CBD Upgrade- Community Information Sessions
- Tuesday 28 April
5.30pm to 6.30pm
Club Sapphire, Merimbula
- Sunday 3 May
4pm to 5pm
Club Sapphire, Merimbula
Community Pop-ups at Twyford Hall
- Tuesday 5 May from 8am to 10am
- Thursday 14 May from 5pm to 7pm
- Wednesday 20 May from 12pm to 2pm
In writing to council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
All feedback will be documented and reported to Council.
When will installation begin?
Subject to Council’s July 2026 decision, installation of the traffic, parking and public spaces changes is expected between August and September 2026
Exact dates will be published closer to commencement.
What is not being delivered under this project?
This project does not deliver full reconstruction of the Merimbula CBD.
Major works such as undergrounding of power, full streetscape reconstruction and stormwater and major utility upgrades are not included in the current funding and would require additional funding and staged delivery.
At the end of this project Council will have a Merimbula CBD Master Plan that includes detailed designs. This Master Plan can be used to inform future grant funding applications and funding decisions. Given the scale and cost of the upgrade works it will need to be staged over a number of years.
Why remove parking?
Some parking spaces are proposed to be reconfigured to improve pedestrian safety, simplify traffic movements and create opportunities for public space activation.
In key locations, this allows parts of the street network to be repurposed as temporary public spaces where people can gather, spend time and participate in community activity.
These changes aim to:
- Create more vibrant and attractive spaces in the town centre
- Encourage people to spend more time in the CBD
- Support local businesses through increased foot traffic and activity
- Improve safety and overall amenity.
The overall reduction in parking is relatively small across the network, with alternative parking options available within the CBD.
The monitoring period will allow Council to assess how parking demand, turnover and public space use are affected before making longer-term decisions.
What if the project does not achieve its objectives?
If monitoring data and community feedback indicate that certain changes are not achieving their intended outcomes, Council can:
- Modify elements during the trial
- Remove specific measures
- Decide not to retain certain changes.
The staged approach ensures that long-term decisions are informed by evidence and community input.
Location
Market Street, Merimbula 2548 View Map
-36.88872026, 149.91062705
Market Street ,
Merimbula 2548
Market Street ,
Merimbula 2548
Merimbula Central Business District Upgrade