Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park

Young people make up a 12 per cent of our community. The need for a youth recreation area to accommodate Woollahra’s young people aged 8-14 years was identified following extensive research and community consultation.

A brief history

In September 2015, Council determined Rushcutters Bay Park as the site for a youth recreation area. Seven months later, we held the first public exhibition of the concept plans. In response to community feedback, Council resolved to not progress with this initial concept and instead to develop revised plans for an alternative location within the park.

In February 2018, Council approved a new location for youth recreation area in Rushcutters Bay Park. In July and August 2018, new concept plans were put on public exhibition.

This revised plan provides convenient options for local kids to have fun and places for parents, carers and park users to meet, relax and enjoy the area. The amended concept plans include:

  • a new location away from the harbour foreshore and below the embankment of New South Head Road to minimise noise and retain harbour views
  • a basketball practice area and a series of skate and scooter elements designed for 8-14 year olds
  • landscaping including new trees and garden beds
  • improved seating, shade shelter, bike racks, a water bubbler and waste bins.

The plans do not include floodlighting and no trees will be removed.

On 15 October 2018, Council endorsed the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park concept plan as exhibited, allowing for amendments arising during the detailed design process.

On 25 January 2019, the Heritage Council of NSW advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.

Where we are now

Presently, we are awaiting more information from the Heritage Council so we can respond to the Interim Heritage Order. During this time, we are progressing the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with our consultants.

Stay informed

Visit Your Say Woollahra to stay up to date on what's happening with the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay project. On this page, you can read relevant project information, view concept plans and stay informed with the latest news.

Are you registered on Your Say Woollahra? Register now! You only have to register once to take part in any open Woollahra Council community consultation.

Young people make up a 12 per cent of our community. The need for a youth recreation area to accommodate Woollahra’s young people aged 8-14 years was identified following extensive research and community consultation.

A brief history

In September 2015, Council determined Rushcutters Bay Park as the site for a youth recreation area. Seven months later, we held the first public exhibition of the concept plans. In response to community feedback, Council resolved to not progress with this initial concept and instead to develop revised plans for an alternative location within the park.

In February 2018, Council approved a new location for youth recreation area in Rushcutters Bay Park. In July and August 2018, new concept plans were put on public exhibition.

This revised plan provides convenient options for local kids to have fun and places for parents, carers and park users to meet, relax and enjoy the area. The amended concept plans include:

  • a new location away from the harbour foreshore and below the embankment of New South Head Road to minimise noise and retain harbour views
  • a basketball practice area and a series of skate and scooter elements designed for 8-14 year olds
  • landscaping including new trees and garden beds
  • improved seating, shade shelter, bike racks, a water bubbler and waste bins.

The plans do not include floodlighting and no trees will be removed.

On 15 October 2018, Council endorsed the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park concept plan as exhibited, allowing for amendments arising during the detailed design process.

On 25 January 2019, the Heritage Council of NSW advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.

Where we are now

Presently, we are awaiting more information from the Heritage Council so we can respond to the Interim Heritage Order. During this time, we are progressing the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with our consultants.

Stay informed

Visit Your Say Woollahra to stay up to date on what's happening with the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay project. On this page, you can read relevant project information, view concept plans and stay informed with the latest news.

Are you registered on Your Say Woollahra? Register now! You only have to register once to take part in any open Woollahra Council community consultation.

  • Update: November 2019

    5 months ago

    The NSW Government is considering the listing of Rushcutters Bay Park and adjacent areas including Yarranabbe Park and Sir David Martin Reserve on the State Heritage Register.

    In response, Council is preparing a submission to the Heritage Council of NSW's public exhibition, which concludes on 20 November.

    Impact of heritage listing

    If the listing proceeds, it means that for certain projects, we will be required to obtain approval under the Heritage Act 1977 from Heritage NSW. This additional approval process may adversely impact the delivery timescales of projects or may even stop a project from proceeding altogether.

    Examples of projects...

    The NSW Government is considering the listing of Rushcutters Bay Park and adjacent areas including Yarranabbe Park and Sir David Martin Reserve on the State Heritage Register.

    In response, Council is preparing a submission to the Heritage Council of NSW's public exhibition, which concludes on 20 November.

    Impact of heritage listing

    If the listing proceeds, it means that for certain projects, we will be required to obtain approval under the Heritage Act 1977 from Heritage NSW. This additional approval process may adversely impact the delivery timescales of projects or may even stop a project from proceeding altogether.

    Examples of projects that would require approval under the Heritage Act 1977 include:

    How to have your say

    As with all consultations, it is important for the State Government to hear views that are representative of the whole community.

    If you would like to make a submission to the NSW Government's public exhibition, please:

    The public exhibition closes on Wednesday 20 November 2019.


    Where to find more information

    Please visit the NSW Office of Heritage and Environment website for more information about the government's proposed heritage listing.

    Questions?

    Please contact Emma Dortins at the Heritage Council of NSW on (02) 9585 6465 or emma.dortins@environment.nsw.gov.au.

  • UPDATE: April 2019

    11 months ago

    Council is awaiting more information from the Heritage Council so we can respond to the Interim Heritage Order. During this time, we are progressing the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with consultants.

    Council is awaiting more information from the Heritage Council so we can respond to the Interim Heritage Order. During this time, we are progressing the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with consultants.

  • UPDATE: 25 January 2019

    10 months ago
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Heritage Council of NSW has advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.


    The Heritage Council of NSW has advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.


  • Youth Recreation Report Published

    10 months ago
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    A report on the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay was considered by Council’s Finance, Community and Services Committee on Monday 15 October at 6pm.

    The report Youth Recreation Area Rushcutters Bay Park has 5 Annexures

    1. Community & Environment Committee Report Rushcutters Bay Park Youth Recreation Facility 26 February 2018

    2. Youth Recreation Area Public Exhibition Your Say webpage

    3. Youth Recreation Area - Consultation Report September 2018

    4. Youth Recreation Area - Public Exhibition Submissions - All Comments

    5. Youth Recreation Area - Acoustic Impact Assessment- July 2018

    The full document can be downloaded from the Document Library...

    A report on the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay was considered by Council’s Finance, Community and Services Committee on Monday 15 October at 6pm.

    The report Youth Recreation Area Rushcutters Bay Park has 5 Annexures

    1. Community & Environment Committee Report Rushcutters Bay Park Youth Recreation Facility 26 February 2018

    2. Youth Recreation Area Public Exhibition Your Say webpage

    3. Youth Recreation Area - Consultation Report September 2018

    4. Youth Recreation Area - Public Exhibition Submissions - All Comments

    5. Youth Recreation Area - Acoustic Impact Assessment- July 2018

    The full document can be downloaded from the Document Library (on top right of page).