The street was transformed to a shared space with traffic managed through three nodes that provide visual constraints to vehicle flow. The final design provides more space for pedestrians and increased connections with surrounding streets. Businesses on O’Connell Street now have more potential to move outside for events or dining, making the street an attractive destination as opposed to the vehicular bypass it once was.

Simple paving and a high quality finish gives the street an uncluttered feeling, leaving the built heritage and street-life to be the main attraction. A series of text inscriptions on large stone seating elements communicate the history of the street.

The O’Connell Street project has realised a total transformation in not only the physical form of the public realm. In the way people use, interact with and appreciate the space, its architecture, history and the businesses that trade along the street. The project has literally brought more life to the street by providing a more equitable balance of pedestrian and vehicle activity.