Sydney will have its own high line to rival Paris and New York, with a re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government committing to transform the rail corridor from Lavender Bay to Waverton into a new public space with sweeping views of the world’s best harbour.
The Lavender Bay high line project would start with a 300 square metre expansion of Wendy’s Secret Garden, followed by a strategic business case to canvas options for converting the 3.3-kilometre-long disused rail corridor along the Milsons Point foreshore.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the project would return the Milsons Point foreshore to the local community as a spectacular harbour front attraction.
“Sydney is home the world’s most beautiful harbour, but for many years much of the foreshore has been left underutilised or inaccessible to the public,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have made it a priority to transform our foreshore precincts so that Sydneysiders can make the most of the city they call home.
“The Lavender Bay high line project will unlock another part of our city that has been hidden away for more than a century, transforming it into a beautiful public space and no doubt a tourism drawcard.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said this commitment to delivering the community’s vision would create a world-class linear park and walking trail linking other public spaces in North Sydney.
“Once fully realised, this vision will result in a 3.3 kilometre linear park connecting some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park while traversing public spaces like Wendy’s Secret Garden, Ball’s Head Reserve and Lavender Bay Parklands,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve committed to working with the community, including the Sydney Harbour High Line Association and Wendy’s Secret Garden volunteers to turn the vision into reality, starting with new landscaping, weed eradication and new tree plantings.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson applauded the local community for their vision and pursuit of the high line, working alongside her to build on the legacy of Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden volunteers to expand public space from railway land.
“We get to call the most beautiful harbour in the world home – and our community has championed a transformation that will ensure visitors from across Sydney and the globe get to share in this iconic location,” Ms Wilson said.
“At a time where our cities are growing and more of us are calling apartments home, the shared vision of the Sydney Harbour High Line Association and the NSW Liberals and Nationals will ensure we retain beautiful places with the open space and active transport we need.”
Transport for NSW and North Sydney Council will work together to facilitate the use of the Land by Council for community use as public open space and active transport connections.
The Lavender Bay Rail Corridor Delivery Group will include representatives from Council. TAHE, Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW and the Sydney Harbour High Line Association.