The Harbour Trust announces the opening of a new foreshore park at Sub Base Platypus.
Following the opening of the rejuvenated Torpedo Factory Precinct at Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney, the Harbour Trust is proud to unveil Wirra Birra Park, which is now open to the public.. This marks another significant milestone since Sub Base Platypus was handed to the Harbour Trust to rehabilitate and revitalise the site into a fresh, new harbourside precinct for all to experience.
Known as the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, the former Royal Australian Navy Torpedo Maintenance Establishment (RANTME) building was partially demolished and revitalised as a sheltered public space. These works also revealed a sandstone bench, which Wirra Birra Park is now situated on. This new foreshore park provides visitors with a landscaped modern leisure space to enjoy native plants, seating and a glorious outlook overlooking Neutral Bay.
‘Wirra Birra’ is a First Nations name for Neutral Bay and means a forest of gum trees near running water. This name was chosen for the new park to respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the area, the Cammeraygal people. The Harbour Trust engaged with First Nations consultant Yerrabingin on the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, as well as an art commission by First Nations artist, Dennis Golding, to put caring for Country and connection to Country and First Nations culture at the centre of the design.
With the completion of the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, the Harbour Trust looks forward to attracting more visitors to Sub Base Platypus with regular events and activities. In addition to the fortnightly guided tours, the Harbour Trust is set to host its first Swap and Save event on Saturday, 20 April as part of Earth Day celebrations.
