Capital works in progress
BY ALEX MCDONALD
While the State Government’s mini-budget was short on infrastructure spending, the City of Sydney has a raft of capital works projects now underway.
A council spokesman said: “The city’s capital works budget is always subject to revision due to a range of unforseen factors which can impact on projects during the conception, community consultation, design and construction phases.
“For example, unseasonal wet weather during 2008 has affected several projects. Council reviews the capital works budget quarter and makes adjustments where required.
At next week’s council meeting the city will be asked to approve an additional $600,000 for the Redfern Park upgrade comprising $300,000 budget variation due to wet weather delays and $300,000 for additional children’s play area.
Here’s a snapshot of the projects that are nearing completion.
Glebe Point Road upgrade
Budget: $15 million
To be completed in early 2009
The city and its contractor GMW Urban aimed to complete the major civil works in time for last week’s Glebe Street Fair. Work that will continue after the fair includes decommissioning overhead powerlines and power poles.
‘ Parts of Glebe Point Road have been lowered to minimise potential flooding
‘ The project includes new paving, public art and street furniture that aims to preserve the unique ambience of the Glebe village, while creating an environment in which local businesses can flourish
‘ 50 new trees are being planted as part of the upgrade. 16 will replace existing trees and 34 will be completely new
‘ Removal of overhead cables. The city has worked with Energy Australia to bury power lines. This will improve Glebe Point Road’s appearance and provide more space for tree planting
‘ Restoration of historic monuments along Glebe Point Road, including the Jubilee Fountain, the World War One Memorial and the Dave Sands Memorial Plaque
Redfern Village and Redfern Park
Budget: $50 million
Reopened August 30
The City of Sydney and the South Sydney Rabbitohs held a community day to celebrate the re-opening of Redfern Park on Sunday 30 August 2008. The celebration marked the completion of the park’s landscaping, including the new purpose-built children’s playground, designed by Indigenous artist Fiona Foley.
‘ Removal of old grandstands, high concrete walls and barbed wire
‘ New children’s play areas, including an interactive water feature
‘ New trees, shrubs and groundcover
‘ Upgrade of paths and kerbs
‘ New lighting throughout the park
‘ Restoration of the park’s historical elements such as the fountain and the War Memorial
Surry Hills Community Centre
Expected to open in early 2009
Spanning four levels, the centre will include a new two-floor library, 26-place childcare centre, Meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, cafe and an art space.
‘ A green roof to cool the building in summer
‘ Photovoltaic solar cells to power the building’s equipment
‘ Rainwater tanks for collection and water re-use systems
‘ Use of recycled construction materials
‘ A 60,000 litre rainwater tank
Water Police Site Park
Budget: $26 million
To be completed in mid-2009
The 1.8 hectare Water Police site is being turned into parkland that will form an important link in the city’s proposed 14km foreshore walk from Rozelle to Rushcutters Bay. Construction on the park kiosk adjacent to Harris Street is scheduled to begin in early 2009.
City cycleways
Budget: $70 million over the next four years
To be opened in mid 2009
The King Street cycleway is the first stage of the city’s Cycling Strategy which aims to increase the cycling network to almost 200 kilometres, including 55 kilometres of separated cycle lanes.
Sydney Town Hall
Budget: $41 million
Late 2009
A major upgrade to Town Hall is currently on track. The upgrade is part of a long-term rescue plan for the historic building which involves sensitive restoration work.
‘ Upgrade of electrical, fire services, water and service pipes
‘ Refurbishment of the Peace Hall
‘ New curatorial display and storage for the Town Hall collection
