Australia’s oldest park will soon be easier to walk around and enjoy, with the City of Sydney set to overhaul Hyde Park’s paths in January 2017.
A number of longstanding paths in Hyde Park North will be removed and new paths built to improve walkability for the more than five million people who visit the park annually.
“Hyde Park is one of Australia’s most culturally significant green spaces and a historic link to Sydney’s past,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Since it was opened in 1810, Hyde Park has served many uses – as a horse racing track, cricket oval, a venue for Sunday political talks and a passive recreation space. It is also home to the NSW Anzac Memorial and a place of great reflection.
“The changes to Hyde Park’s use and its increasing popularity mean the paths, which were built over time in ad-hoc stages, need to be improved. We now have an opportunity to create a more logical path network that will take pedestrians where they want to go more comfortably and directly.
“The works at Hyde Park have been carefully staged to avoid disruption to the many important events that are held there annually, including next year’s Sydney Festival.
“The City is also making big improvements to the College Street entry opposite St Mary’s Cathedral and the entry at the corner of College and Park streets. These upgrades will enhance the access and identity of the park.”
The path rationalisation project is the third of four scheduled major works for Hyde Park. Tree planting near the Archibald Foundation and an upgrade of the pool of reflection have already been completed. The fourth stage will result in the upgrade to the Museum Railway Station café and surrounding landscape. It is anticipated this package of works will be completed by December 2018.
“Hyde Park North is split into four quadrants and work will only take place in one quadrant at a time. While there will be diversions in place, every effort is being made to minimise disruption,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We want to make sure Hyde Park retains its status as one of Australia’s most treasured public spaces – and that takes constant work.”
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Alex Cauchi on 0467 803 815 or acauchi@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Paul Mackay on 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au