Scarborough Esplanade closure trial

Recognising Scarborough’s popularity as an entertainment precinct, particularly over the summer period, the City of Stirling will trial a vehicle closure of a short portion of The Esplanade (Scarborough) between the Clock Tower and The Lookout. The trial aims to improve pedestrian safety while also supporting activation and events within the precinct.

This closure includes the approx. 130m strip that fronts the Rendezvous Hotel, Cleopatra Scarborough, Dumbo Gelato, The Peach Pit, El Grotto, Cordingley's Surf, the Galway Hooker and The Lookout.

Access to the precinct via Reserve Street, Manning Street, Scarborough Beach Road and Brighton Road will remain unaffected, and all existing car parking areas as well as the Rendezvous underground carpark will remain open. Only the six car parking bays on The Esplanade will be affected.

The trial closure is proposed for Sundays 4.00pm – 2.00am from 30 October 2022 and Thursday evenings from 4.00pm – 10.00pm from 3 November 2022 until December 2022. The Thursday closure aligns with the highly popular Sunset Markets while the Sunday closure aligns with peak times for many hospitality venues as well as a number of upcoming community events. Depending on the effectiveness of this trial it may then be extended to April 2023. Specific closure times will be in place for special events and communicated in advance.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the aim of the trial was to enhance pedestrian safety and increase activation of the space during peak periods, and has the support of both WA Police and the Scarborough Beach Association.

“The $100 million redevelopment of the Scarborough Beach precinct has brought with it a massive increase in amenity, tourist visitation and economic development opportunities,” he said.

“It has also provided an iconic destination for major events, at the intersection of a world-class beach and hub of entertainment. However, with increased numbers of pedestrians and vehicles in the area at peak times, we want to enhance the amenity and safety for visitors, residents and businesses.

“The City of Stirling and WA Police have been working together closely for several years now and this trial is expected to improve the pedestrian environment for people visiting Scarborough Esplanade during the warmer months. The trial is designed to provide benefits during the popular Scarborough Sunset Markets and to capitalise on visitation to hospitality venues on Sundays evenings.

“Across the world, the temporary closure of short strips of road in hospitality and cultural precincts has been shown to activate streets and enable safer pedestrian movements.

“What will be crucial is that we collect all the data and feedback we can during this trial to inform future decisions of Council, enabling us to continue to build a sustainable City with a local focus.”

Traffic management during the closure periods will be managed by the City of Stirling, and residents and visitors are encouraged to share their views via the survey on the project webpage.