The Minns Labor Government is transforming a site formerly set aside for the construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel at Berrys Bay into a spectacular new public park.
For the first time in more than 100 years, this prime harbourside land will be accessible to the community.
This revitalisation of the historic Waverton precinct is part of the Government's broader commitment to create free, welcoming outdoor spaces for families and communities across NSW.
The Berrys Bay site was originally earmarked as a temporary construction site for the Western Harbour Tunnel, a project that will deliver the first new road crossing of Sydney Harbour in three decades.
Changes to construction methodology, including the use of the two largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere, mean the site is no longer required and the century-old waterfront land will be fast-tracked for community benefit.
Working closely with our construction partners ACCIONA and North Sydney Council, the Minns Government is working hard to ensure the site appropriately honours its rich maritime heritage and Aboriginal history.
Berrys Bay was once at the beating heart of Sydney's maritime manufacturing industry, where boats, yachts and launches were built and serviced for more than a century.
New renders show the draft design of the park, which will include accessible foreshore pathways, family-friendly facilities including barbecues and play areas, and a striking new community pavilion.
The comprehensive remediation and transformation project will see the former Woodleys Shipyard site become a world-class community asset - a site that was operational until 2011. Elements of Woodleys Shed, including its distinct sign, will be preserved and incorporated into the final design.
The revitalisation will complete the missing link on the Waverton peninsula, unlocking an area which has been inaccessible for decades and creating a continuous foreshore path from Carradah Park to Balls Head Reserve.
Spanning 1.56 hectares of harbourfront park, new native landscaping and public artwork will complement the expansive, stunning views of Sydney harbour.
The release of the design follows extensive consultation with local community groups and stakeholders, including North Sydney Council. As the future custodian of the new Woodleys Shed facility, North Sydney Council will undertake separate community engagement on its future use of as a community asset.
Site establishment work commenced in June. In the coming months, work will begin on the careful deconstruction of Woodleys Shed and the demolition of remaining derelict, unsafe buildings.
The community is invited to have its say on elements of the new design in the draft Western Harbour Tunnel Berrys Bay Place, Design and Landscape Plan consultation, which will be on display from Monday 28 July here.
For more information, visit: Berrys Bay | Western Harbour Tunnel | Transport for NSW (RMS)
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Breathing new life into Berrys Bay is a big win for Sydney, creating a new, safe and accessible public space for everyone to enjoy along our iconic harbour foreshore.
"Berrys Bay was originally earmarked as a Western Harbour Tunnel construction site, so I'm pleased this beautiful site will be returned to the community much sooner than anticipated.
"When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will link the northside and city, inner west and airport while taking pressure off the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.
"The Western Harbour Tunnel is a city-shaping project that will remain in public hands, much like the parkland that we are restoring public access to.
"Shaped by the site's history and guided by ideas from the community, the plans for Berrys Bay reflect a shared commitment to honour the past while creating an inviting space that serves our city now and into the future.
"This transformation is a small part of the Minns Labor Government's ongoing work to provide more free recreational outdoor spaces for families and communities to enjoy."
