From eNews 482 – Friday, 5 February 2010
Taylor Square South in Darlinghurst could become a cycling hub following the City's purchase of the former T2 nightclub building on Flinders and Bourke Street. The building's refurbishment and reuse will help the City restore Taylor Square as a people-friendly area.
Prior to its closure, T2 was a frequent source of complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour. A local survey in June 2008 found that residents wanted fewer nightclubs, pubs and clubs in the area, with almost 50 percent saying they most disliked drunkenness and disorderly behaviour in the area. Residents wanted to see increases in cafes, restaurants and local services.
Located at the main intersection of three major bicycle routes, including the new Bourke Street cycleway, Taylor Square is a significant orientation point and important intersection for cycling groups.
Community-based options for the building could include a bicycle repair centre, a bike shop, cafés, and space for tour companies to operate and cycle groups to meet. In the longer-term, a bicycle hire facility supporting a city-wide bicycle hire scheme might also operate from the site as we complete our safe and convenient bike network.
The City of Sydney has allocated $76 million over the next four years to build a 200km cycling network, including 55km of separated cycleways, as part of a strategy to increase the number of people choosing cycling as a safe, sustainable and healthier transport option.
The City is aiming for a target of 10 per cent of all trips being made by bike by 2016.