Rhodes Peninsula is a dynamic urban centre located alongside Sydney Olympic Park with Homebush Bay to the west, Brays Bay to the east and Parramatta River to the north. The distinctive form of the Peninsula presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for the role of public open space.

The City of Canada Bay engaged Corkery Consulting to prepare a comprehensive Open Space Master Plan and Plan of Management for the whole Peninsula. It covers the public domain through the urban redevelopment of Rhodes West as well as the established open spaces in Rhodes East. The Master Plan provides a vision for the design and management of public open space in response to the needs of a changing community at Rhodes Peninsula. The Plan of Management meets statutory planning requirements for Council in relation to community land used by the public. 

 

Client:      City of Canada Bay
Location:  Rhodes NSW Australia
Images:    Corkery Consulting

Awards:   AILA NSW 2015 Award
               for Planning in Landscape                      Architecture

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The scope of work undertaken by Corkery Consulting in preparing the Open Space Master Plan included:

  • A detailed site analysis of existing facilities, vegetation, views, access and circulation for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Assessment of existing and future demand for open space recreation facilities.
  • Preparation of concept designs for each of the 16 open spaces covered by Master Plan, which incorporated existing together with proposed new facilities.
  • Identification of an integrated network of pedestrian and cycle paths connecting the open spaces with adjoining urban areas through series of loops, one of which passes through Sydney Olympic Park.
  • Preparation of management strategies for all of the public open spaces.
  • Involvement in community consultation to determine the current and future needs for open space recreation facilities.
  • Review and comment on various other projects for the Peninsula including the Arts Plan, Place Plan and the proposed Homebush Bay Bridge.

The Master Plan provides a flexible framework in which Council can respond to current needs and opportunities,  as well as to future community expectations for public open space facilities.

The Plan of Management was prepared to meet the statutory planning requirements in relation to community land designated for recreation use. It incorporates an implementation schedule that sets priorities and identifies responsibilities together with monitoring and review provisions.