Galston Village Public Domain upgrades
View project display drawings (PDF, 11MB) for detailed information
Background
Council’s Delivery Program 2022-2026 identifies a need for the creation of vibrant town centres in Hornsby Shire, with Galston identified for improvements in 2025/26 to support the local economy and encourage visitation to the Shire. The project is also identified in Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) for design and construction in 2024/25 and 25/26.
Upgrades to the main street and public domain in Galston Village are planned. A Community Engagement process has been undertaken with exhibition of the draft Public Domain Plan (PDP) and related collateral, illustrating a range of ideas for traffic-calming and public domain enhancements.
The draft PDP seeks to retain the character of Galston Village as a semi-rural and regional attraction, while building capacity for growth and anticipated increased levels of visitation.
Project update – July 2026
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has issued final approval for construction to commence. Council's contractor, Mack Civil Pty Ltd, has established the site and implemented traffic control arrangements approved by TfNSW.
Construction will be undertaken in stages to minimise disruption to local businesses, residents, library users and motorists. All works will be carried out in accordance with relevant workplace health and safety requirements.
Progress update
Stage 1A commenced on 23 June 2026 on the Southern side of Galston Road between Glen Street and the shopfronts (CALI Bros). These works are anticipated to take approximately 10 weeks to complete, after which construction will progress to the next section on the southern side between the shops and the Arcadia Road roundabout.
Access to Galston Library and Public Toilets
Galston Library and the public toilets remain open and accessible during construction with no proposed changes to existing operating hours. Pedestrian access to the library is maintained via the existing footpaths.
Changes to vehicle access to the libraries will be made temporarily while construction in this area occurs. Council is implementing temporary parking arrangements near the library, including appropriate signage to direct library users and public toilet patrons to the designated parking area. These temporary parking arrangements are anticipated to be operational during the week commencing 6 July 2026.
In the interim, library users are encouraged to utilise available parking on Glen Street and access the library via the existing public footpaths, which remain open and accessible.
As construction progresses through future stages, parking and access arrangements may change. Council will provide updates to the community in advance, where possible, to minimise disruption and maintain access to local facilities.
Project Completion Timeline
Construction of all stages of the Galston Village Public Domain Upgrades is anticipated to be completed by September 2027, weather permitting.
We thank the community for your patience and cooperation during the construction and the temporary traffic arrangements.
Design update 2025
Council engaged an experienced Design Consultant, CompleteUrban for the detailed design development. Workshops were organised with key community members, Council staff, Consultant and the key stakeholder Transport for NSW (TfNSW) prior to commencing the detailed design.
CompleteUrban have completed 80% of the design addressing the key issues raised by the community where possible and to the required Australian Design Standards and TfNSW specifications. Feedback was sought on 80% design from key stakeholders, community and property owners. CompleteUrban have progressed and completed the 100% design addressing the feedback arising from 80% design where possible.
The 100% design is reviewed by TfNSW and provided in principle support to go to tender while the construction drawings are being finalised by CompleteUrban and approved by TfNSW. Tender for this public domain work is estimated to release by September 2025. Construction is estimated to commence late 2025 or early 2026 subject to the approval of construction drawings by TfNSW.
Community Engagement 2024
A comprehensive community engagement process was undertaken between Monday 29 April and Sunday 2 June 2024 via Drop-in Sessions, Council’s Have Your Say webpage and briefing to Arcadia Galston Residents Association (AGRA).
The exhibition and engagement sessions were well-attended and valuable feedback was received. In general, support is widespread for most upgrades concerned with making the Village more pedestrian-friendly, providing places to gather, and for more planting and street trees.
As identified below, some key issues emerged through the Community Engagement. These are acknowledged and will be addressed as part of detailed design process:
- Village Character
- Vehicle speed and crossings
- The Glen Street ‘rat run’
- Parking at the shops
- Access to toilet facilities.
The exhibited draft PDP is subject to refinement and further assessment for exhibited proposals including:
- replacement for the widening of all footpaths and improved accessibility to venues and facilities
- the introduction of safe road crossings, revised parking arrangements, improved roadway drainage and the completion of kerb and guttering
- street tree planting including water sensitive urban design (WSUD) components
- landscape works for the delivery of improved public spaces for leisure and recreation.
At the General Meeting on 10 July 2024, Council endorsed the draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan being taken forward for detailed design development and construction documentation.
Council will continue to engage with all key stakeholders as part of the detailed design development process.
Updates will be provided as works progress through this project webpage.