City of Sydney - Media Release

DESIGN FOR NEW HARBOUR PARK

Posted: 2/04/2006

A shoreline promenade, a network of parks, a new sheltered bay and a New York style wharf plaza, are among the features of a new harbour side park design for Pyrmont.

Included in the design is a water craft launch area for kayaks and canoes, where park users will be able to walk to the water’s edge on the former Water Police site.

The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP, said the draft masterplan for the park draws on almost two years of community consultation.

“This latest concept plan promises to deliver on the input of thousands of local residents, who have contributed through many levels of public discussion, exhibitions and questionnaires,” Ms Moore said.

“Our aim has been to produce a park that people can be proud of, will use enthusiastically and provides maximum access to a wonderful stretch of foreshore.”

Ms Moore said of the final three designs, the overwhelming level of public support was for the option called “Shorelines”, which is the basis of the draft masterplan.

Under the masterplan, to be considered by Council, the derelict 1.8 hectare site acquired by the City of Sydney in 2005 will be transformed into recreational parkland, which when integrated with existing parks will extend the site to four hectares.

It is one of the “final links” in the City’s 14km foreshore access route from Rozelle to Rushcutters Bay. If approved by council the Draft Master Plan will go on public exhibition for 28 days.

The masterplan is the work of award-winning consultants Aspect Sydney Landscape Architecture in collaboration with Hill Thalis (Design winner for East Darling Harbour) and CAB Consulting.

The concept incorporates historic shorelines, rock shelves and previous structures. It retains most of the existing seawall, part of the wharf’s concrete encased piles and the sandstone wall/embankment below Pirrama Road, Pyrmont.

KEY FEATURES OF THE MASTERPLAN INCLUDE:

(a) The shoreline promenade

A series of sinuous walls and stairs define the eastern boundary of the shoreline walk, and allow for a variety of access points to and from the promenade. An innovative stormwater filtration channel runs along the wall to stop pollutants entering the harbour.

(b) A diversity of park spaces

The Masterplan creates multiple spaces, from the broad scale to small private spaces.

(c) The green and the point

The point has an extensive lawn area with groups of Port Jackson Figs to provide shade. This space provides respite for users, providing informal areas for play and picnicking under shade trees. The existing play facility is relocated to the southern park area.

To the south of the point, another large lawn area extends to the bay, providing for informal play. Figs trees are clustered along the edge and provide a series of shaded spaces on the path, with framed views to the harbour. A bench edge is located along the length of this walk, providing informal seating.

(d) The grove

On the eastern edge of the park, a grove of shade trees defines the edge to Pirrama Road. This area provides informal lawn areas for spaces with barbeques and seating. Groves of eucalyptus trees, figs and smooth barked apple trees provide shade. Centrally located in the grove is a shade canopy structure, with barbeque facilities and seating. To the south, there is a children’s play area.

(e) The sheltered bay

An inlet at the southern edge of the park provides access to the waters edge for canoes and kayaks, and is directly related to the historic alignment and location of the foreshore, prior to the site’s reclamation in the early 20th century. Stairs provide informal seating and access to the waters edge.

(f) The pole garden and wharf structure

The existing wharf deck west of the concrete encased piers will be removed. The existing timber piles are to be retained where possible as a remnant of the historical use and infrastructure on the site.

(g) The community square

A new “community square” will be developed adjacent to the end of Harris Street.

(h) Integrating best practice in environmental design

The park design embraces innovative water recycling and stormwater management and uses endemic species. The Master Plan seeks to encourage and support sustainable transport connections through the site as well as providing access to the site.

(i) Safety, lighting and accessibility

Safety and security are a high priority, with good sight lines and lighting. It is proposed that low level lighting be used to light landscape features of the new park such as the cliff face.

Media Contact: Josh MacKenzie 02 9265 9082 or 0402 351 459