Plans to rejuvenate Bradfield Park near the northern pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge have been revealed, which will expand open space, enhance maintenance, and make this iconic public parkland more accessible and enjoyable for the whole community.
The Minns Labor Government and North Sydney Council are working together to boost amenity in the park for the local community, while supporting the maintenance and safe operation of one of Australia’s most important transport structures, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Work will start this year with scaling back the current worksite adjacent to the northern pylon, returning as much space as possible to the community, while preserving the space needed for the ongoing maintenance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The site is currently supporting the repainting and removal of rust on the bridge, essential maintenance which has been doubled by the Minns Labor Government ahead of the bridge’s upcoming centenary in 2032.
Upgraded hoardings and foliage will also be installed around the site to improve its amenity. As the bridge’s centenary approaches and work completes, further opportunities to return this land for community use will be investigated.
Transport for NSW will also lead the delivery of landscaping, improved drainage and new turf during 2027, which will reduce the erosion that has affected the site over the last decade.
Bradfield Plaza, at the northern end of the park, will be extended with new paved areas that could be used for community events such as markets and pop-ups in future. Transport will work with Council on other opportunities for improvements, including new furniture, trees and vegetation.
Additionally, North Sydney Council will begin work on a long-term masterplan for the future management of the park.
Future land ownership will balance Transport’s ongoing maintenance requirements for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel, while providing certainty of access to Council and supporting a more coordinated maintenance approach for the park and local community.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Minns Labor Government supports the community’s desire for a more accessible, attractive and functional Bradfield Park that enables the whole community to enjoy this beautiful parkland.
“The previous Liberal Government allowed Bradfield Park to erode and decay, while installing and continually extending the presence of the temporary maintenance compound.
“We will renew and upgrade this iconic community asset, while returning more parkland at the site for all the community to enjoy.
“We’ll continue to work with North Sydney Council to improve the park’s presentation, maintenance and facilities and deliver lasting improvements that benefit the people of North Sydney and the broader community.”
Mayor of North Sydney Council, Zoë Baker:
“I am grateful to the Minister for taking on community concerns raised by Council and welcome the commitment to collaborate with Council to provide certainty for and improve this iconic public open space.”
