Live in Pyrmont, visit it from time to time or just want to improve communities around Australia? Ever noticed the lack of resources for young people living in one of the fastest developing suburbs in the Sydney metropolitan area? Now is the chance for the community to regain some land and make Pyrmont a place where recreation and young people are even more welcome.
Following a long community campaign, the City of Sydney has committed $11 million to preserve a 1.8 hectare site, formerly the headquarters of the Sydney Water Police. This means the land will remain in public ownership and there will be continuous parkland around the Pyrmont peninsula. The site is located at Pyrmont Point and is bound by Harris Street, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont Park and Sydney Harbour.
The council is still discussing what exactly is going to be built on the land. There are many different proposals and possibilities out there and the community has been given the opportunity to have its say. So here's your chance! Suggestions have already been made which take into consideration the needs of young people; by having your say you can help to shape the community the way you want it.
Permitted use of areaThe council has developed some broad guidelines that describe the different ways the area can be used. It has given these to the public to get its opinion and to generate ideas. Recommendations for the park should fit into one of the following categories:
- playgrounds or recreational sporting facilities
- toilets, café, kiosk or refreshments rooms
- parking and/or access
- community, cultural, social or educational use.
Necessary actionsThe council has asked the public for suggestions and ideas, however there are some criteria that need to be met. These include:
- the provision of open space
- the demolition of the AEWL training centre building (located in the middle of site)
- maintaining the traffic link connecting Harris Street to Pirrama Road
- the removal of the floating pontoon as part of obligation to NSW Maritime
- no marina or motor craft on water
- no anchoring but commercial vessels such as water taxis allowed.
Considerations for the planning of the siteConsideration has already been given to use the site to improve facilities in Pyrmont, with a particular focus on meeting the recreational needs of young people. Other possibilities include:
- a foreshore link between Jackson’s Landing and Pyrmont Point Park
- car park facilities whilst developing the site
- open space area
- possible recreation opportunities which are currently lacking in Pyrmont
- possible active sporting facilities which are highly lacking in this area.
Time line of process
- Professional and technical surveys and studies from June to September 2005; to analyse the site and report findings of what is best for the site.
- Developing the concept design October and November 2005; using the expert findings as well as community input to develop a design.
- Concept design consultation November 2005; the concept plans will be presented to the community for feedback and comment and will then be taken into consideration for the master plan.
- Master plan exhibition and adoption February to April 2006; draft master plan will be publicly exhibited and feedback will be used to finalise the master plan for adoption by council.
- Development Applications and approvals May to August 2006; council will lodge a Development Application to redevelop the site, there will also be further opportunity for public comment.
- Design documentation and tendering September to December 2006; all documentation will be finalised and a contractor will be determined through a tendering process.
- Construction commences 2007; once all plans are approved the city will start the construction phase.
Everyone in the community has been given an opportunity to have their say and determine what will become of this space. The community fought hard to make sure the council purchased this land; make sure the efforts to preserve this area go in the right direction and that young people have access to recreational facilities in Pyrmont.
How do I know this?City of Sydney,
New Park at the Water Police Site, Pyrmont http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Development/Cit... Friends of Pyrmont Point,
http://www.pyrmontpoint.net/
