Rosebank Street · Glebe NSW 2037
A quiet, tree-lined street in one of Sydney's most characterful inner suburbs — and one that deserves the care and investment its community represents.
Our neighbourhood
Rosebank Street sits in the heart of Glebe — one of Sydney's oldest and most culturally rich inner-city suburbs. Flanked by Jean Cawley Reserve and connecting to Bridge Road, it has long been a quiet residential corridor in a suburb known for its heritage terraces, community spirit, and proximity to both the CBD and the University of Sydney.
In recent years, Rosebank Street has welcomed significantly more young families and older residents — people who depend on safe, accessible public infrastructure every single day. The street's demographic has shifted, but its infrastructure has not kept pace.
The recent resurfacing of Bridge Road and the installation of new bicycle lanes have demonstrated what investment can achieve in this corridor. We believe the same momentum should be extended to Rosebank Street and St James Lane.
The problems
These are not minor inconveniences — they are daily hazards for the people who live here. We have documented each issue and can provide photographic evidence to Council.
Footpaths throughout Rosebank Street and St James Lane are cracked, uneven, and in some sections completely broken — creating serious trip hazards, particularly for elderly residents and young children.
A large yellow utility cover has remained in place, unattended and unresolved, for years. Its presence is both an eyesore and a safety concern in the middle of a residential street.
In several sections, footpaths are too narrow for wheelchairs or walking frames — forcing elderly and mobility-impaired residents to walk on the road. This is an access equity issue that demands urgent attention.
A recently patched sinkhole in the middle of St James Lane points to deeper structural issues. The general road surface and kerbing along the lane is in significant disrepair.
Persistent illegal parking near the Rosebank Street/Bridge Road intersection — despite clearly marked no-stopping zones — creates visibility hazards and blocks pedestrian sightlines at a busy corner.
The vision
We're not asking for the extraordinary — just the standard of investment Council has demonstrated it can deliver in neighbouring streets. Here is our vision.
The cobblestone-effect paving installed in John Street near the tennis courts has held up beautifully and enhanced the area's character. A similar treatment along Rosebank Street and St James Lane would suit Glebe's heritage streetscape — and last for decades.
Additional street trees along Rosebank Street, complementing the proposed tree canopy enhancement at St James Court, would address heat island effects, provide shade for pedestrians, and deliver a more resilient, green streetscape aligned with Council's urban greening strategies.
Widened, fully repaired footpaths along the full length of Rosebank Street and St James Lane — with flush kerb crossings — would make the street genuinely accessible for everyone, from toddlers to residents using mobility aids.
Better enforcement and physical design improvements at the Rosebank/Bridge Road intersection to prevent the chronic illegal parking that undermines visibility and pedestrian safety at this busy corner.
Our correspondence
I'm writing on behalf of myself and my partner Antigone Foster, owners of Unit 17 at 11 Rosebank Street, Glebe. Antigone has previously corresponded with you regarding the proposed tree canopy enhancement and gutter restructuring in front of St James Court, and I wanted to follow up while raising broader concerns about the surrounding streetscape.
We greatly appreciate the past works at Jean Cawley Reserve and would welcome similar attention being extended to the immediately surrounding streets. The recent resurfacing of Bridge Road and new bicycle lane have improved that corridor considerably and this momentum seems like a good opportunity to address the long-deferred maintenance needs of Rosebank Street and St James Lane.
Our specific concerns include:
The cobblestone-effect paving installed in John Street near the tennis courts has held up well and enhanced the area's character — a similar treatment in Rosebank Street and St James Lane would suit Glebe's heritage streetscape beautifully.
Our street now has significantly more young families and older residents who depend on safe, accessible footpaths. Upgrading these streets alongside the proposed tree canopy and gutter works would also address heat island effects and deliver a more resilient, shaded streetscape in line with the Council's urban greening strategies.
We'd welcome the chance to walk the street with a Council representative and can provide photographic documentation of all issues raised. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you.