https://lnkd.in/dagKfBSc Isn't it great when a project keeps on giving. Thirty years ago last month we held the North Arncliffe Charrette, the first in NSW. Bob Meyer and Peter R (for Robinson) were the lead consultants and the charrette team included Paul Murrain, Wendy Morris, Chris Stapleton, David White and others that I never see on LinkedIN (but let me know if you're out there). As the Director of Planning for Rockdale CC, my objectives were to: 1. Extend the planned airport rail line to the East Hills Line where it crossed the Main Southern Line, giving a very powerful (in urbanist terms) focus to the redevelopment of North Arncliffe (now named Wolli Creek); 2. Divert the freeway from as much of the Wolli Creek valley as could possibly be achieved (thankyou The Hon. Carl Scully); 3. Protect Tempe House, its chapel and gardens; and 4. Demonstrate the value of rezoning North Arncliffe for a high density transit oriented development (#TOD). We achieved all of that and, when the rezoning was assured, the project passed first to Landco (David Chandler OAM) who secured the masterplan and then to a Landcom-Australand JV that I helped to set up thanks to the support of Sean O'Toole (I was at Landcom by then). When it was clear that it would be profitable Australand bought out Landcom and then Australand morphed into Frasers who delivered the project (well done Rod Fehring, Nigel Edgar and team). There is now just one building left to complete. Now Wolli Creek Park has been increased in area by about 10% to 45 Ha (thanks Minister Penny Sharpe) and it directly links with the Cook River open space and park network at its eastern end (see the link for a plan showing the acquired lands). All we need now is that long-promised footbridge to connect Discovery Point to Waterworth Park (please note Rod Fehring and Minister Sharpe).
Wonderful to see that this space is preserved. Brings back so many wonderful memories, this was my backyard. I grew up up in Bardwell Park and can remember the many public meetings with local and state government representatives and residents, they we were vocal meetings and ultimately succeeded in bringing this plan to life. 30 years ago, Premier Greiner and Roads Mister Tim Moore held a media conference at Nany Goat Hill announcing that the legislation would be enacted to lift the road reservation through the valley, then a complete backflip six months later in announcing a 6 lane elevated freeway from Alexandria to Liverpool, if it wasn’t for the residents and all involved like yourself using your position to enact change and fighting for the M5 to be put underground we would have lost this beautiful corridor of nature.
Will never ever forget that experience thanks Steve
Magnificent! 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳
Former NSW Building Commissioner now in private advisory.
5moLet's remember #HalGuida who conceived the masterplan with the amazing curtlidge that frames Tempe House and #HowardTanner for the restoration of the Heratige Buildings. My partners at the Urban Partnership #DavidBrown and #LeoneMcEntee provided the design and planning expertise that helped pull off what was considered an impossible urban revitalisation. The Wolli Creek precinct was the beneficiary of unlocking this complex site that had challenges like contaminated soils, rail and Telstra easements, and a sensitive foreshore that had been neglected until #Clouston created the careful revitalisation of Tempe House gardens and foreshore. A truly remarkable outcome where #Landcoms credibility, Rockdale Councils GM #StephenBlackadder all put a lot on the line to make this happen. All in 2-years. Thank you #Landco and #AndyRosin for trusting us with this commission 👷♂️