Rozelle Parklands Opening Date Locked In
Rozelle Parklands, almost 10 hectares of new open green space just a few kilometres from the Sydney CBD, will open to the public this Sunday.
The final touches are being completed across the site before the Inner West’s big new backyard is open to the public on Sunday, 17 December.
Rozelle Parklands boasts an array of recreational space and facilities, including a network of bike riding and walking paths, two large grass sports fields, wetlands with a boardwalk on top, playgrounds, fitness equipment and a barbeque area.
Over 3000 trees have been planted as part of the project, creating a new green hub right on the doorstep of the Sydney CBD.
There will be 14 kilometres of new and improved cycling and walking paths being delivered as part of the Rozelle Interchange and Parklands project, providing connections to surrounding active transport routes and public transport.
The key pathway links are to the Anzac Bridge, Victoria Road, Rozelle Bay Light Rail Station, Annandale, Glebe and future The Bays Metro Station and precinct.
New cycleway connections will also be constructed in Rozelle to link with existing active transport paths in Drummoyne, Haberfield and Five Dock.
Rozelle Parklands has been built on the site of the former disused Rozelle Railyards, which closed in 1980. The site was initially needed for construction of the interchange before work began on the parklands, including backfilling the site with approximately 65,000 tonnes of topsoil for landscaping.
While the parklands will be open at the end of this week, further work to enhance the parklands will continue in 2024 with the delivery of lighting for the sports fields, multi-purpose courts for netball and basketball, and additional amenities like changing rooms for organised sports.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“We look forward to opening Rozelle Parklands on Sunday December 17 for the entire community to enjoy.
“Whether you want to go for a bike ride or a walk, fling a frisbee, take the kids to the playground, enjoy a BBQ or picnic with family and friends or sit on the grass and relax, there will be something for everyone.
“It’s rare to get the opportunity to open a park of this size – almost 10 hectares – and especially so close to the centre of Sydney.
“Rozelle Parklands is a fantastic addition to Sydney’s Inner West and a big new backyard for the local community to enjoy in time for Christmas.”
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“The new bike riding and walking paths within Rozelle Parklands will provide safe and accessible connections to existing active transport routes on the Anzac Bridge and Victoria Road, and in surrounding suburbs including Annandale and Glebe.
“These paths will also link with public transport including Rozelle Bay Light Rail Station and the future The Bays Metro Station and precinct.
“The local community have witnessed the parklands’ construction progress strongly this year, and it’s great that we can deliver this new open green space prior to Christmas and with school holidays around the corner.”
Bicycle NSW spokesperson Peter McLean said:
“The new parklands will be a valuable community asset to connect people with vital green space and recreational opportunities.
“The parklands will also provide vital links for active transport with connections to the Anzac Bridge through an underpass, as well to the nearby light rail station and to pathways extending to suburbs including Glebe and Annandale.
“These links will make walking and bicycle riding far easier, more enjoyable, convenient and safer for everyone. Bicycle NSW and our members welcome any infrastructure which enables more people to use walk and bike ride."
Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne said:
“The Government has delivered an additional $20 million to improve Rozelle Parklands which is a huge win for our community.
“This opening will be the first opportunity for the Council to consult local residents about the new Rozelle Parklands Masterplan that we’ll be undertaking in 2024.”