Locals to fight park redevelopment

A grassroots movement has been launched to prevent the redevelopment of the Lawrence Hargrave Reserve in Elizabeth Bay.

A number of residents from the surrounding suburbs have united in an attempt to prevent the Council’s proposed project they believe will harm the biodiversity of the park which is popular with local residents.

Current plans for redevelopment by the City of Sydney would also reduce the Kings Cross Car Park, located below the Reserve, by 100 parking spaces.

Locals argue that these parking spots are vital for surrounding businesses and visitors to the Kings Cross area.

The general parking situation in Kings Cross is already highly contentious, compounding a lack of understanding of the Council’s redevelopment plans

When asked about the City’s plans to reduce the parking spots in the area, Kings Cross resident Alison Andersen said: “There is no parking around here; we are amongst the most densely populated suburbs in Sydney, we can’t afford to lose parking.”

“I think that something else could be done with that space to make it more inviting and keep the parking. Why demolish something that is actually useful,” she added.

In addition to the reduction of parking spaces, the park’s biodiversity is also perceived to be under imminent treat.

Several species of native trees and birds inhabit the park, which many residents have dubbed the ‘green lung’ of the area.

The City’s plans also include the construction of a pavilion on the grounds of the park. According to the residents’ group, this could lead to increased levels of noise and pollution.

But not all residents completely oppose the remodelling of the park.

Local resident Trish Canny foresees problems with a reduction of the Kings Cross Car Park but she agreed there is potential for improvement of the park’s aesthetics.

“I think beautifying the park is a good idea. It’s a bit dodgy down here, and I think to open it up and make it better is a good thing.”

According to its website, the City’s remodelling plans include a new lookout to improve the view of the harbour, new fruit trees, extensive lawns and a new garden area.

Comments and feedback on the plan can be provided via email to fitzroygardens@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or at the Kings Cross Customer Service Centre.

By Alexander Meyer-Thoene