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 and in July/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.
In June 2020 Rushcutters Bay Park was listed as a heritage item on the State Heritage Register (SHR).
On 1 August 2022 at the Finance Community & Services Committee Meeting Council considered a report and subsequent to this meeting, at the Council Meeting on 22 August 2022 Council resolved as follows:
THAT Council:
A. Notes the further progress of the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park, which includes the preparation of a Conservation Management Strategy for the State Heritage Listed site and a Heritage Impact Statement for the project.
B. Note the minor changes of the design to the Youth Recreation Area recommended by GML Heritage that address heritage impact on the site.
C. Proceed to submit an application for approval under Section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 (Heritage Act) to undertake the project.
D. Continue with the preparation of the Review of Environmental Factors under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which would include an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment, if Heritage approval is granted.
Read the meeting agenda and minutes.
Find out more about the background of this project under the Timeline section of this page.
Where we are now
Council submitted an application to Heritage NSW for determination under Section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 (Heritage Act) to undertake the Youth Recreation Facility in July 2025. A Review of Environmental Factors and the Aboriginal cultural values assessment was submitted as part of the Section 60 application.
Read the Review of Environmental Factors for the project here.
Read the Review of Environmental Factors Determination 10 June 2025 here.
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Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park
FAQ
- Why do we need this Youth Recreation Area in our community?
- Why Rushcutters Bay Park?
- What about previous concerns regarding of noise, perceived anti-social behaviour and loss of open space?
- What size is the proposed new youth recreation area?
- Will the Youth Recreation Area impact harbour views?
- Is this like the Skate Park at Bondi Beach?
- Is the Youth Recreation Area accessible for people with a disability?
- Did Council follow up with Centennial Parklands regarding a joint project?
- What landscape work is included in the concept plan?
- Will any trees be removed for the proposed new youth recreation area?
- What about the noise from the Youth Recreation Area?
- Will there be lighting?
- How do I provide feedback to Council on the concept plans for the Youth Recreation Area?
- I have a question that hasn't been addressed in these FAQs
- How will the youth recreation area be maintained and how much will that cost?
- Is the area suitable for younger children, what play areas are available for toddlers?
- How will the youth recreation area be kept secure from noise disturbance and vandalism after hours?
- Were other parks considered?