“Build a bridge”: community wants connectivity at massive new Redfern development

By AMBER GRIFFIN

A “Build a Bridge” campaign has emerged from community groups in response to the state government’s plans to overhaul massive blocks of Redfern and Eveleigh into a new precinct. The campaign is a joint effort from community groups ‘Alexandria Residents Action Group’, ‘REDWatch’, and ‘Friends of Erskineville’, calling for an active transport corridor connecting North and South Eveleigh over the train tracks. 

“We need an active transport corridor to connect Waterloo Metro, Alexandria and South Eveleigh on one side, to Carriageworks, North Eveleigh, Darlington and Sydney University on the other” the ‘Build a Bridge’ petition says.

“For a long time a bridge has been proposed in planning for North Eveleigh to remedy this, and we believe that with Transport for NSW reviewing plans for this site the time has come to build it.”

The ten-hectare Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct will comprise of three sub-precincts named after heritage buildings on the site: The Clothing Store Sub-Precinct, The Carriageworks Sub-Precinct and The Paint Shop Sub-Precinct.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the draft master plan for Redfern-North Eveleigh sets a vision for affordable and diverse housing, a start-up hub and entertainment precinct within walking distance of Redfern Station.

Stokes said in a statement that the land where the development is happening has been “off limits to the general public for more than a century”.

“We’re transforming the old rail yards by restoring and protecting their heritage value, building new homes and offices while creating more than 14,000 square metres of public space, including a new town square and public parkland” Stokes said.

Bridge could turn 20 minute commute into 2 minutes

When asked by City Hub why a connection over the train tracks is so important, a ‘Friends of Erskineville’  spokesperson said that the number of people living and working in the vicinity is growing rapidly, soon to be exacerbated by the government’s plans for the large new precinct. But merely getting from one side of the precinct to the other will take an estimated 20 minutes, when it could take only 2 minutes on foot if a bridge were introduced.

“We hope the petition can build enough awareness and enough pressure on the NSW government so that they cannot ignore us, and they will just build it” the spokesperson said.

The ‘Friends of Erskineville spokesperson also shared that they believe this redevelopment has not consulted the community until a very late stage in the planning.

“Very disappointingly, the communities’ call for an active transport bridge over the tracks to South Eveleigh has been ignored. This is despite over 750 residents writing to Rob Stokes, the Minister for Active Transport, calling for it to be built.

“We ask, what is the point of an active transport minister if he won’t build the active transport infrastructure the community is crying out for? In contrast 3 new bridges are planned near Central.”

Despite the NSW Government ensuring they plan to improve connections to the Precinct, Community group ‘REDWatch’ continues to voice major concerns about the connectivity of the proposed precinct redevelopment from North to South Eveleigh for pedestrians.

“The Transport for NSW strategic vision is not seeking to integrate with South Eveleigh, be that in terms of immediate connectivity or leveraging movements from Waterloo Metro and Alexandria to Sydney University and RPA Hospital” REDWatch said in a statement.

“It also is not looking at how it integrates with the high-tech tenants at South Eveleigh and how that might improve agglomeration and incubation.”

“Transport for NSW has failed to envisage North Eveleigh as part of the wider precinct connected across barriers created by the railway line and the twin arterial roads.”

REDWatch Spokesperson Geoff Turnbull asks, “If the bridge has been considered and the design allows it why is it not there?”

Community organisation BIKESydney has also joined the movement calling for the bridge, and are pushing for non-car centric options to be incorporated into development plans.

“The redevelopment is over-sized and too car-centric. This is a prime site for heavily prioritising walking, cycling and public transport over basement car parking” BIKESydney said about the Redfern North Eveleigh precinct.

“This is the opportunity to finally provide the walking and cycling bridge across the rail corridor to South Eveleigh that was promised as part of that development.”

TfNSW says that connectivity was “considered” in planning process

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) assured City Hub that accessibility and connectivity were considered during the development of the master plan.

“While a bridge is not part of the scope for the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct rezoning proposal, this has been considered when developing the masterplan. The design has ensured that any potential future pedestrian connection could be integrated within the proposed rezoning proposal” a TfNSW spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that existing and future crossing options will be provided at Redfern and Macdonaldtown Station.

“Transport for NSW will ensure key stakeholders, including the community, continue to have their say on the project as plans progress to ensure the best outcomes are achieved.”