The City of Ryde has officially started work on two major projects in Macquarie Park and Meadowbank that will deliver significant new open space to the local government area.
The two projects – a new public park located close to the Macquarie Park Metro Station and the creation of two new natural turf playing fields and an amenities building at Meadowbank Park – have been made possible thanks to more than $12.5 million grant funding from the NSW Government.
Sod turning ceremonies were carried out for both projects on Wednesday 26 November 2025, attended by City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Public Spaces, Stephen Bali.
Construction has commenced at Catherine Hamlin Park to deliver a vibrant, attractive open space for workers, commuters and the local community in the heart of the Macquarie Park Innovation District and is scheduled to be completed by October 2026, subject to weather conditions and any unforeseen site constraints.
Council received a total grant of $6.45 million from the NSW Government's Precinct Support Scheme and Metropolitan Greenspace Program to contribute to this project to provide better access to open space for over 5,600 homes. These funds are being combined with $3.95 million in Council funding to deliver the $10 million park.
The initial stage of work, which included earthworks and stormwater drainage, was completed in late 2024. The completed park will feature outdoor exercise equipment, event spaces, seating and BBQ areas, public artwork, a kick-about lawn, and an amenities building.
The park has been named in honour of the remarkable Dr Catherine Hamlin AC (1924- 2020).
Dr Hamlin was raised in the Hermitage, Denistone, and co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia with her husband, Dr Reginald Hamlin. The hospital provides free surgery to women suffering childbirth injuries throughout Africa. Dr Hamlin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1983, nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, and in 2001 was awarded the Centenary Medal.
Construction for the second project at Meadowbank Park will deliver stages 3 and 4 of the Meadowbank Park Masterplan.
These stages cover the demolition of the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) club building and adjacent amenities building and construction of a new central amenities building as well as the conversion of the existing netball asphalt courts to two full-size natural turf playing fields, a cricket wicket, basketball half court, fitness equipment, footpaths, tree planting, improved lighting and car parking.
Council received a $6,048,400 grant through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to contribute to this project. These funds are being combined with Council funding of $2.4 million to deliver this $8 million project.
The initial works will include site setup and demolition of the existing netball courts and amenities buildings. Construction works are forecast for completion in September 2026, subject to weather and unknown site conditions.
The ERNA netball club and courts will relocate to the new West Ryde Multi sports facility under construction on the former Marsden School site.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said both projects will be warmly received by the Ryde community.
"I'd like to thank the NSW Government for the grant funding that has made these two vital areas of open space possible," he said.
"Catherine Hamlin Park will provide a wonderful oasis not only for those living in the high-rise towers at Macquarie Park but also for the many workers in the hi-tech spaces that make up Sydney's leading innovation district.
"And the new full-size turf fields at Meadowbank Park are going to be a very welcome and valuable addition to Council's portfolio of active open space, giving our fast-growing community much-needed extra sports fields access."
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the Minns Labor Government has invested more than $12.5 million to help deliver high-quality public spaces in Ryde.
"These projects will create much-needed green space and recreational areas, to support continued growth in Ryde," he said.
"This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities."
