Robertson Road in Newport is set for a long period of construction disruption, with parking, truck movements, pedestrian access and planned street activity affected by works at 351 Barrenjoey Road.
The project involves the site linked to the former Avocado Tree premises and the old Bakers Delight store on Barrenjoey Road. The site covers the northern side of Robertson Road from Barrenjoey Road towards the post office.
Demolition began after the approval and lodgement of the Construction Traffic Management Plan, about four years after the development was approved.
Works are expected to bring changes to the village centre through the construction phase, which is estimated to last until December 2027.
Robertson Road Incident Brings Works Into Focus
The disruption became more visible after part of a wall being demolished collapsed on Tuesday, June 16, causing scaffolding to veer over Robertson Road.
Robertson Road and the main Barrenjoey Road were closed to traffic for several hours while the site was secured. Pedestrian diversions were also put in place.
The Save Robertson Road group said no one was injured and that work had paused after the partial collapse.
The closure also prompted local discussion about the way Robertson Road operates as a village street, including its relationship with shops, pedestrians and nearby traffic.
Parking Removed During Construction
Parking opposite the site on Robertson Road is being removed during the construction phase.
Work hours are listed as 7am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Night work may occur only with separate approval.
Existing pedestrian crossings and footpaths are listed to be maintained during the works, although local posts have also referred to pedestrian diversions and blocked pavement areas around parts of the precinct.
Truck Movements Through Newport Village
Construction traffic arrangements include vehicles entering Robertson Road from Barrenjoey Road and leaving via Foamcrest Avenue and Seaview Avenue before returning to Barrenjoey Road.
Concrete trucks are planned to reverse down Robertson Road from Foamcrest Avenue to the site.
Residents and local groups have raised concerns about how truck movements, parking changes and altered access may affect nearby businesses and people moving through the area.
Robertson Road Events On Hold
Robertson Road has previously been identified as a central pedestrian and community space in Newport.
The Newport Village Commercial Centre Masterplan, adopted on November 5, 2007, included ideas for Robertson Road to operate as a stronger centre for village activity, with active shopfronts, improved pedestrian use and a possible small public plaza.
More recent traffic arrangements allowed Robertson Road to be closed between Barrenjoey Road and Foamcrest Avenue for events of up to 1,000 attendees between 11:30 am and 5 pm.
Those special events are not planned during the construction phase.
The pause affects a commercial strip already dealing with vacancies. Residents reported in May 2026 that there were 18 vacancies along the Newport shopping strip, although one business had since moved into Barrenjoey Road.
Local Traders Face Access Pressures
Residents have raised concerns that the works may affect shop access and foot traffic along Robertson Road.
Local social media posts have referred to footpath diversions, pavement obstructions and the need to support traders near the construction area.
The Save Robertson Road group has also begun online posts focused on businesses and people operating around Robertson Road.
Residents and business owners are hoping normal trade conditions can return once demolition and excavation works for the underground car park are completed.
Long-Running Debate Over The Robertson Road Site
The development, known as DA2020/1756, was approved in February 2022 and was costed at $7,055,446 at the time. The site later sold on April 23, 2024 for $5 million.
Some residents have criticised the building’s relationship with Robertson Road and the wider Newport village precinct.
A semi-mature lemon-scented gum on public land at the edge of the site was also approved for removal to allow the development to proceed.
For Robertson Road in Newport, the construction period will mean a prolonged change to parking, vehicle movement, pedestrian access and planned street activity in one of the village centre’s key side streets.
Published 25-June-2026
