The resolution formalises the site’s classification as Community Land for residents to enjoy
Key points:
- The Lake Street site had been classed as Operational Land since being purchased by Council in 1986
- Council formally changed the classification of the site to Community Land, ensuring it cannot be sold or developed in the future.
- Members from the Maltese Centre, as well as the Burmese and Middle Eastern communities reported regularly using the park for events and monthly gatherings.
A much-loved park at Cringila is a hidden gem no more, with Wollongong City Council granting a community wish to formalise its status as Community Land and ensure it remains in public hands into the future.
For many years, various community groups have utilised the green space on the corner of Gorrell and Lake Streets at Cringila as a public park, despite the site being classified as Operational Land under the Local Government Act. Operational Land is typically home to Council depots and commercially leased sites that are not accessible to the general public
The Lake Street site had been classed as Operational Land since being purchased by Council in 1986 for the purpose of building a new community centre at the site. Council instead constructed the Cringila Community Centre and Hall at an alternate nearby site, leaving the initially purchased block empty.
As part of an ongoing review of Council-owned land, Council resolved to authorise the sale of the lot in May 2025 after it was deemed surplus to operational requirements. However, in response to feedback highlighting the site’s significance as a gathering place for community groups and local residents, Council subsequently passed a recission motion reversing the decision to sell the land.
Through community surveys, an onsite pop-up, and several meetings with multicultural social groups meeting at Cringila Community Halls, the community told us it valued the green space used for birthday gatherings, as a lunch spot, and for children’s play. Members from the Maltese Centre, as well as the Burmese and Middle Eastern communities reported regularly using the park for events and monthly gatherings to socially connect and enjoy the green space.
Considering this feedback, it was determined the park’s value as a community asset was of greater benefit to the community than the modest increase in housing supply offered by the sale of the lot.
Council formally changed the classification of the site to Community Land in the “Park” category at Monday’s (25 August) Council meeting. This classification better aligns with the current use of the space and ensures that it cannot be sold or developed in the future.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the outcome illustrated the value of community consultation.
“As a Council we follow established processes to arrive at decisions, but we also need to be nimble and respond to feedback from the community,” Cr Brown said.
“An initial decision was made as part of a broader process and based on the information at hand. On further consultation it became very apparent that this park, despite its classification and how it came to be there, was a highly valued community space that brought many people together.
“We’ve now corrected the classification to keep the park in community hands. This process has been win-win for all involved and it’s pleasing to see that open-minded consultation with our community can achieve such a positive outcome.”
While Council’s decision to reclassify the site as Community Land immediately secures its future as a public space, a review of zoning and planning controls and potential enhancements may also be considered through future planning processes.
