GREENSPACE FOR GREEN SQUARE

Green Square is one of the fastest-growing residential precincts in Australia, located on Sydney’s oldest industrial heartland. The area in Sydney’s inner-east extends across Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo and will be transformed into a vibrant, sustainable and connected community. The residents of the new precinct, as well as the wider community, will greatly benefit from the brand-new park that will be constructed in the area.

Regal Innovations Pty Ltd provided the tender for the above-ground work to design and construct The Drying Green, which will be an expansive 6200 square metre park that provides green open space and pedestrian connections to the Green Square town centre.

The Drying Green takes its name from the site’s industrial past. Wool washing was one of the first industries in Green Square and fleeces were spread across grass in the area to dry naturally.

The park will feature extensive grass lawns, a wetland water feature that collects and reuses stormwater, a picnic and barbecue area, terraced seating, a solar-powered public artwork, an amenities building with a green roof and sloping, landscaped surfaces.

“As the heart of the Green Square town centre, The Drying Green will become one of the most popular parks in Sydney,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “The restrictions put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus have highlighted the importance of our open, greenspaces. More people are using our parks than ever before.

“Locals will be able to kick a ball, relax on the green lawns and enjoy a picnic or barbecue with family and friends. This will have an incredibly positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and build a strong sense of community.

“Our investment in community facilities, parks and open spaces will ensure Green Square lives up to its potential as a wonderful new urban village.”

The Drying Green will provide pedestrian access to the new library and plaza and other community facilities in the town centre. It is bound by Geddes Avenue, Paul Street, Portman Street and Zetland Avenue.

The City of Sydney has committed more than $540 million to develop the Green Square town centre with new community facilities including a creative centre, a childcare centre and a community shed. Construction on a state-of-the-art aquatic and recreation centre is also underway.

More than 40 parks will emerge in Green Square, providing plenty of open space for residents, workers and visitors.

“With more than three-quarters of our residents across the city living in apartments, our parks, playgrounds and open spaces are essentially ‘the backyard’ for many,” the Lord Mayor said. “We’re firmly committed to creating and maintaining valuable open space and investing in parks and playgrounds for future generations.”

Significant work including piling and ground improvement has already taken place to prepare the Drying Green site.

It is predicted that landscaping and building work on the park will be completed by early 2022.

Via City of Sydney