The implementation of the city of Sydney’s Johnstons Creek Parklands master plan will see the outdoor leisure and recreation areas on Sydney Harbour’s western foreshore boosted by extra land the size of five footy fields.

Under the long-term plan, 5.4 hectares of new parklands will be added to the existing 14 hectares of public space on the border of Glebe and Annandale, providing expansive parklands for playing sport, enjoying nature and socialising.

The City successfully negotiated 3.8 hectares of the new public land as part of the redevelopment of the old Harold Park Paceway site.

“The design of this master plan was finalised after extensive community consultation. It will ensure Sydney’s growing population continues to have access to beautiful, new open space,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“It’s a rare chance to return some spectacular natural features to the people of Sydney, creating new opportunities for habitat and highlighting the water that runs through the entire site.”

As part of the master plan design, a network of walkways, bridges and viewing platforms will connect existing parks and enhance public access to the harbour. Precious ecosystems will be protected.

The existing parks are Bicentennial Park, Federal Park and Jubilee Park. New areas to be constructed are “The Crescent”, “The Hill” and “Harold Park”.

A walkway through the new parkland will connect Ross Street in Glebe to the harbour, running past sandstone cliffs, a new playground, and a series of rain gardens and wetlands designed to cleanse stormwater before it enters the bay. Some of Johnstons Creek Canal natural features, such as bush rocks and water plants, will also be restored.

The rest of the new public land is located next to The Crescent on the border with Annandale. This area, which currently has an industrial character comprising properties leased as storage facilities, will extend the park landscape west. It will open up key vistas to the heritage viaduct and the water beyond.

According to the City, this master plan was finalised after 12 months of community consultations, and has been approved by the Council.

Geraldine Chua

Sydney-sHarboursideMasterPlanCreatesMoreSpaceAndFa-1736088661.png

Let’s connect!