Liverpool City Council today released the Woodward Place Master Plan for public exhibition detailing Council's bold vision to transform the 28-hectare Woodward Park into Woodward Place, a precinct which will inject new life and connectivity into the heart of the City.
Mayor of Liverpool, Wendy Waller, said Woodward Place is another key milestone in Council's journey to cement Liverpool as Sydney's third CBD, and comprises a critical component of the $445 million worth of major infrastructure projects Council is seeking immediate funding for from the NSW Government.
"Our City Centre has been undergoing cataclysmic change and transformation in recent years, with the development of Liverpool Civic Place, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and the endorsement of the Liverpool City Centre Public Domain Masterplan," Mayor Waller said. "The Woodward Place Masterplan ensures this momentum continues."
Mayor Waller said Council has been at the forefront of driving this momentum and wants to work in direct partnership with the NSW Government to deliver this transformative project in Liverpool.
"The economic benefits of these major infrastructure projects at a regional, local and even individual level cannot be understated. Funding from the NSW Government for these projects will help further stimulate the local economy, potentially creating around 1110 jobs annually, over the next four years. This comes at a time when job creation will be essential to what is likely going to be a long post-pandemic recovery for Liverpool.
"We believe now is the right time to start this conversation with the recent announcement of the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
"We continue to face challenges around liveability and connectedness in our own backyard, which are becoming more urgent by the year, as our population grows. We are striving hard to work in partnership with the State and Federal Governments to address these challenges through more efficient public transport, improved infrastructure and sustainable, quality public spaces," Mayor Waller said.
The Woodward Place Masterplan outlines a staged revitalisation of public lands, to the west of the City Centre, over the next thirty years, enhancing and building on the existing character and uses of the 28-hectare site. Currently, the Woodward Park site is home to the Whitlam Leisure Centre, netball courts, football fields and a range of community services and facilities including Autism Advisory and Support Service.
"Council has facilitated an extensive engagement with the existing site stakeholders of the Woodward Park over the last three years. This is an important part of the process ensuring the voices of stakeholders are being heard, and no one is left behind without a new or upgraded facility in the Liverpool Local Government Area," Mayor Waller said.
"The Woodward Place Masterplan has the potential to transform the city creating a centre of excellence that will help to meet the changing needs of our growing population now and into the future. I look forward to seeing Liverpool City Council progress this Masterplan for the benefit of the community we serve", Founder and CEO of Autism Advisory and Support Service, Grace Fava OAM said.
"Woodward Place will be a 'Uniquely Liverpool' lifestyle precinct, that will improve liveability and activation for the Liverpool City Centre and make the city a more attractive destination for investment and job creation. We are very supportive of actions that will improve Liverpool's public amenity and make it a better place for people to live, work, play and learn," Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger said.
Mayor Waller said the wonderful part of this process is that the community can help shape their own 'Uniquely Liverpool' experience.
"Each member of our community is invited to have their say by providing feedback on the Masterplan, insight into how facilities are currently being used and ideas for the future of Woodward Place," Mayor Waller said.
An online survey is available for the community to help Council gather feedback on the Woodward Place Masterplan: https://listens.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/woodwardplace
The first implementation of the Woodward Place Masterplan will include the revitalisation of Brickmakers Creek and redevelopment of the Whitlam Leisure Centre. The new aquatic facility features an enclosed a 50-metre Olympic pool, 25-metre internal pool hall, hydrotherapy pool, café and gymnasium.
