BERRYS BAY TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO PUBLIC PARK

Over the years, Berrys Bay has been integral to Sydney’s maritime manufacturing industry – it’s where boats, yachts and launches were built and serviced for more than a century. In the 1990s, the site retired from its maritime role, and when it was earmarked as a Western Harbour Tunnel construction site, dreams for the site becoming a community space were put on hold. In 2022, advances in technology meant that this makeshift construction site was no longer required, and now it’s been officially confirmed that the area will be opened up to the public.

The draft design of the park includes accessible foreshore pathways and family-friendly facilities such as barbecues and play areas. Central to the design is the redevelopment of Woodley’s Shed, which will be repurposed into a community pavilion. Construction company ACCIONA hopes the designs echo the form, materials and historical functions of the site as a prominent shipyard and boat-building hub. This joint effort by the state government, local North Sydney Council and ACCIONA aims to honour the area’s maritime history as well as its First Nations, Cammeraygal heritage, acknowledging its significance as a cultural landmark for fishing, gatherings, and harbour crossings via bark canoes.

The seawall along the site will undergo stabilisation to prevent erosion, providing a secure base for the new foreshore walkways. This involves the removal of selected disused marine structures near the seawall. Initial works on the site include the demolition of derelict structures, such as the former refinery administration building, marine workshop, and various annexes, alongside general site preparation. 

The opening of the park will mark the first time in more than 100 years that the park has been accessible to the public, with Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison describing the vision to create “an inviting space that serves our city now and into the future.”

This revitalisation project will complete a missing link on the Waverton peninsula, unlocking an area that has been off-limits for decades. It will establish a continuous foreshore path stretching from Carradah Park to Balls Head Reserve. The expansive 1.56-hectare harbour-front park will also feature new native flora and public art installations, not to mention those splendid vistas of Sydney Harbour.

Site establishment work commenced in June. In the coming months, work will begin on the careful deconstruction of Woodleys Shed and the demolition of remaining derelict, unsafe buildings.