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Listening to the Street: The K-Shift Intern Research Report

A summary of community sentiment and local insights on the future of King Street.

We believe that any real change to our neighbourhood has to start with the people who walk its footpaths every day. To help us capture those voices, in 2025 we worked with a team of student interns to conduct a deep dive into how people actually feel about King Street and Enmore Road.

The interns were busy during their time with us. They set up sticker surveys at Newtown Station, put up posters with QR codes, and reported on the findings of their research. While their internship has now wrapped up, the wealth of data they gathered is helping us plan the next phase of our campaign.

What the Community Told Us

The goal of this internship was to move past guesswork and get real numbers. After analysing over 400 responses, the mandate is clear. 98% of people believe King Street can be better, and they are ready to see it happen.

The High Points: What Makes King St Special

The research confirmed that the heart of the Inner West is still beating strong.

  • Culture First: Nearly everyone (96%) said the diverse culture and vibe is what keeps them coming back.
  • Supporting Local: 84% of you are here for the independent shops and eateries.

The Low Points: The Traffic Sewer

The interns did not just hear the good stuff. They also recorded the frustrations that make daily life on King St a challenge.

  • The Squeeze: 52% of respondents feel the footpaths are far too crowded.
  • The Noise: 64% are fed up with the constant roar of traffic and pollution.
  • Safety: One of the most common themes in the research was safety. Residents described road crossings as dangerous and intimidating.

The Wish List for a Better Street

The interns recorded a clear list of community priorities for the future of the area:

  • More Greenery: 84% support more trees and bushes to cool the street down.
  • Space to Stay: A huge demand for more sitting areas and outdoor dining space so we can enjoy the street rather than just rushing through it.
  • Safer Transit: 73% support for dedicated bike lanes and better pedestrian crossings.

What is Next for K-Shift?

This research proves that our community is not just complaining. We are imagining a better version of our home.

K-Shift is now taking these findings to the next level. We are using this data to back up our proposals to local authorities. We want to show that there is a massive community mandate for a greener, safer, and more pedestrian-friendly King Street. Stay tuned as we turn these intern-led insights into long-term action.