NSW Government
Planning

NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program

Planning reforms

Children enjoying The Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park. Credit: Destination NSW

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program will support the Planning Reform Action Plan by providing incentives and guidance to councils seeking to match the objectives of the Faster Assessments Program through their own local assessment acceleration program.

The objectives of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program are to:

  • improve development assessment speeds and planning proposals (rezoning)
  • bring forward construction and the opportunity for jobs and economic activity in the short to medium term
  • support investment in the creation of high-quality public and open spaces to create a lasting community benefit
  • address critical open space shortfalls and improve the quality of existing public and open spaces.

To learn more about the program, read the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program Guidelines (PDF, 3 MB) or email the team at [email protected]

Purpose of program

The program is delivering a legacy of quality public open space.

Program progress

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is connecting communities to nature, diverse cultures and most importantly, each other.

View all project videos   

Funding

Funding has been allocated to councils across NSW. Each council has different public open space needs and varying land costs. Funding has been assigned in categories of metropolitan developed councils, metropolitan fringe councils, regional cities, large rural councils and rural councils and allocated funding based on those categories.

Discover the successful projects for the program in the filtered and sortable table.

Council Project name Project description Details
Bayside Council Re-imagining our Bayside Landscapes A new regional playspace and supporting infrastructure for Sir Joseph Banks Park; a shared path and an elevated walkway in Barton Park
Burwood Council Grant Park, Burwood Park and Enfield Village. All-abilities playspace at Grant Park; a nature play facility, sensory garden and upgraded pond for Burwood Park; pedestrian improvements at Enfield Village Centre.
Camden Council Nepean River Pathway Extension. A shared pathway and a new public open space connecting the town centre to the Nepean River and improving access and interface with water.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council Paul Keating Park Precinct Transforming Paul Keating Park into the green heart of Bankstown with increased tree coverage, integrated seating, improved connections and a destination playspace.
Cumberland City Council Merrylands Civic Square. A new Civic Square in Merrylands with an events area, multiple seating areas for passive recreation and play elements.
Albury City Council Albury Riverside Boardwalk & Hovell Tree Park Market Area Enhancement of 2.6 hectares of public open space adjacent to the Murray River in Hovell Tree Park, Albury.
Armidale Regional Council Armidale Creeklands Restoration Upgrades to parks and reserves surrounding Dumaresq Creek, Armidale.
Blacktown City Council Unlocking the potential of the Ropes Creek corridor Unlocking public access to over 60ha of new open space along Ropes Creek; improving walkability and amenity along the Great West Walk route.
Blue Mountains City Council Blue Mountains Park Improvement Program Upgrades to Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park, Corridor of Oaks and Jackson Park including play equipment, boardwalks, pathways and enhancements to the landscaping.
Byron Shire Council Sandhills Wetlands Activation Embellishment of the Sandhills Wetlands to create a public space that combines ecological and cultural values with circulation routes and recreation activities.
Campbelltown City Council Apex Park, Bradbury and Hurley Park, Campbelltown Acquisition of a land to increase the size of Hurley Park and enhancements to Apex Park including public art, event space and water features.
Cessnock City Council Bridges Hill Park to Wine Country Shared Pathway A new active transport corridor connecting Wine Country Drive, on the outskirts of the Cessnock’s CBD with St. Philips Christian College, Lomas Lane, Nulkaba.
City of Canada Bay Council Majors Bay Reserve Recreation Precinct Enhancements to adjacent parklands to create a recreational precinct at Majors Bay Reserve Concord.
City of Parramatta Parramatta Quay and Connections and Arthur Phillip Park A new riverfront urban square, amphitheatre, and public park in Parramatta CBD.
Clarence Valley Council Clarence Valley Council Open Spaces Projects Implementation of the Ulmarra Riverside and Village Precinct Plan and shared pathway connections between Townsend and Gulmarrad.
Coffs Harbour City Council Jetty Strip Open Space for the Future Acquisition of 5,099sqm of land currently owned by NSW Property to create new open space adjacent to the Jetty Strip in Coffs Harbour.
Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Jubilee Park Upgrades to Jubilee Park to increase the amenity of the park and expand on the natural habitat for native birds.
Council of the Municipality of Kiama Hindmarsh Park Enhancement Upgrades to Hindmarsh Park including a new accessible regional destination playspace, shade elements, picnic shelters, tables, BBQs and water fountains.
Cowra Shire Council The Cowra Open Space Legacy Project Embellishing public spaces throughout Cowra including the Peace Precinct and connections to the Lachlan River.
Dubbo Regional Council Dubbo CBD Macquarie River Bank Boardwalk A new Macquarie River bank boardwalk including seating and viewing platforms.
Fairfield City Council Bareena Park and Fairfield Heights Park Upgrades to Bareena Park and Fairfield Height Park including inclusive playspaces, fitness equipment, children's cycle paths, public art and supporting infrastructure.
Forbes Shire Council Lake Forbes Activation Plan A new all abilities outdoor gym area, beaches for launching watercraft, a BMX track and a swimming platform at Lake Forbes.
Georges River Council Georges River Council – Better Places and Spaces Create a multi-functional open space in Macmahon Street courtyard.
Glen Innes Severn Centennial Parklands Skywalk A new elevated Skywalk and viewing platform at Centennial Parklands including interpretive signage showcasing Celtic and Ngoorabul cultures.
Gunnedah Shire Council Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program Connecting pathways to important local sites, improving the Wandobah Road walking trail and activating the Poetry Precinct.
Inner West Council Creating new and improved open spaces in the Inner West An active transport corridor along Cahill Street, a new park in Lewis Herman Reserve and upgraded lighting along the Bay Run.
Kyogle Council Kyogle Civic Precinct Activation (Phase 1) Creating one-way streets to prioritise pedestrian activity, improving landscaping, providing new lighting, shade and street furniture in the CBD.
Lake Macquarie City Council Swansea Foreshore Boardwalk Construction of a 230m accessible boardwalk improving access to the Swansea Channel including two pedestrian bridges, upgrades to the viewing platform and walking trail connections.
Lane Cove Council St Leonards Plaza Upgrade Creation of St Leonards Plaza a 4750sqm open space incorporating landscaping, central lawn, passive recreation, play areas and alfresco dining opportunities.
Leeton Shire Council Chelmsford Place Town Square A new pedestrian boulevard along Chelmsford Place including improved walkable connections and public domain.
Liverpool City Council Macquarie Street Public Spaces and Philimona Gardens Upgrades to the public domain of Macquarie Street and creation of the Phillimona Gardens parklet.
Maitland City Council Harold Gregson Park Upgrade (Maitland Regional Sports Complex - Stage 4) Upgrades to Harold Gregson Park including new pathways, BBQ and picnic spaces, overnight RV parking spaces, a youth space and additional tree plantings.
Moree Plains Shire Council Moree Plains Public Spaces Legacy Project Mehi River Corridor, Cooee Park and Jacaranda Park upgrades include water splash park, amphitheatre, dog agility park, basketball court, boardwalk, botanical garden and fitness course.
Mosman Municipal Council Mosman Legacy Program Upgrading the Manly to Bondi Walk for better amenity and connections; and enhancement of Mosman's Town Square, Mosman Park and links between these two locations.
Murrumbidgee Council Luke Park Jerilderie Towards a vibrant and connected community through open space in Luke Park Jerilderie.
Newcastle City Council Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Project Stage 1 Upgrades to the heritage-listed 100-year old Newcastle Ocean Baths, increasing the amenity, safety and accessibility of the site.
North Sydney Council Quarantine Depot Acquisition and St Leonards Park Priority Project Acquisition and development of 2,185sqm of foreshore land on Waverton Peninsula, Upgrades to St Leonards Park Playground to provide greater play opportunities for older children.
Northern Beaches Council Improved connectivity, inclusivity and accessibility to recreational spaces and activities. A new boardwalk and trails at Manly Dam; an accessible ramp in Queenscliff, upgraded tidal pool and boardwalk at Clontarf Reserve.
Penrith City Council City Park A new green open space on the corner of Henry and Station Streets including increased tree canopy, themed gardens, water features and natural landscaping.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Port Macquarie-Hastings Public Spaces Legacy Upgrades to Bain Park, Wauchope; significant expansion of playspace at Westport Park; and creation of an outdoor amphitheatre at Town Beach.
Port Stephens Council Port Stephens Shared Paths and Civic Spaces Upgrades to William Street a new pathway along the Port Stephens shorefront, and a new town square at Lemon Tree Passage.
Randwick City Council At the Heart of the Village Creating two new plazas with landscaping, bike racks, lighting, informal play opportunities and seating areas.
Shellharbour City Council Reddall Reserve Foreshore Promenade A new 155m of promenade foreshore pathway with seating and a series of access points to the water as part of the Reddall Reserve Masterplan.
Shoalhaven City Council (withdrawn) Ulladulla Boardwalk & Harbourside (withdrawn) A new elevated public space including boardwalk, lighting, viewing platforms, seating, trees and other plantings (withdrawn).
Snowy Valleys Council Tumbarumba Playground and Skate Park and Rotary Pioneer Park Tumut Upgrade of Tumbarumba Playground and Skate Park and Rotary Pioneer Park to provide nature-based playspaces, additional green infrastructure, better amenities, improved pathways, picnic areas and seating.
Strathfield Municipal Council Hudson District Park Stage 2 (passive open space elements) Hudson District Park Stage 2 elements include a children's bicycle park, playspace, public performance space, improved pathways and landscaping.
Sutherland Shire Council Seymour Shaw Park Youth Precinct and Open Space Upgrade Expanding Seymour Shaw Park to include a skate park, fitness equipment, picnic areas, shelters, street furniture, playspace, half-basketball court, landscaping and amenities.
Tenterfield Shire Council Tenterfield Youth Precinct & Mountain Bike Trailhead & Jennings Playground (passive open space elements) A new playspace, exercise equipment, shade structure and picnic facilities at Jennings Park and a new youth precinct and mountain bike trailhead at Tenterfield.
The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill Reibey's Green Upgrades to Figtree Park including public art, seating, lighting, public restroom, and plaza.
The Council of the Municipality of Kiama Hindmarsh Park Enhancement Embellishment of Hindmarsh Park including a new and accessible regional destination playspace and other enhancements such as shade elements, picnic shelters, tables, BBQs, and water fountains.
The Council of the Shire of Hornsby Bushland to the Waterways A new elevated walkway in Pyes Creek Bushland; learn to Ride Playspace in Ruddock Park; and improvements to the Brooklyn Foreshore.
The Hills Shire Council Public Domain, Playspaces and Connections (Anthony Skarratt Reserve and the Bella Vista Farm Park Projects). A new community centre and playspace at Anthony Skarratt Reserve in Box Hill; a new playground at Bella Vista Farm Park with improved connectivity.
Upper Hunter Shire Council Upper Hunter Shire Council (St Aubins Town Square) St Aubins Town Square will provide new opportunities for community gathering, an improved environment for pedestrians, and natural cooling of the CBD.
Uralla Shire Council Glen Precinct and Pioneer Park upgrades Creating a hub of open spaces in the heart of Uralla, with upgrades to Glen Precinct and Pioneer Park.
Waverley Council Waverley Cliff Top Walk and Waverley Park Recreation and Landscape Upgrade Upgrades along the Bondi to Manly Walk including seating, boardwalks, art, landscaping and lighting. Enhancements to Waverley Park to create district level inclusive play precinct.
Willoughby City Council Artarmon Town Centre Open Space and Civic Plaza Improvement A new civic plaza and improved pedestrian accessibility through Artarmon.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Bong Bong Common Masterplan. Construction of Bong Bong Common including recreational pathways, landscaping, heritage interpretation, viewing points to the Wingecarribee River and other enhancements.
Wollondilly Shire Council Wollondilly Legacy Program: Providing Quality Open Space for our Communities Upgrades to Picton Parklands, Old Menangle School Site, Birrahlee Park, Willis Park and WS Williams Memorial Park, and a new playspace at Dudley Chesham Sportsground.
Wollongong City Council Access and Play Wollongong (Fairy Creek Shared Path and Cringila Hills Bike Track) Delivery of the Fairy Creek Shared Path in Gwynneville including interpretive signage, landscaping and seating and construction of a new bicycle skills track at Cringila.
Woollahra Municipal Council Enhancing and Revitalising Woollahra’s Iconic Spaces Project (New Public Plaza at Knox Street) A new pedestrianised public plaza in Knox Street with new plantings, lighting, public art elements and seating areas.
Yass Valley Council Riverbank Park Open Space Precinct (Adventure Playspace) A new Riverbank Park Adventure Playspace with tactile and sensory elements for all ages.

Note: Councils are responsible for all aspects of project delivery, including land acquisition, environmental approvals and costs exceeding their allocated funding. Land acquisition is subject to normal processes. Some projects may change in the early design phase.

Related links