Active transport, open spaces headline draft Green Links Masterplan

Active transport, open spaces headline draft Green Links Masterplan

Active transport, open spaces headline draft Green Links Masterplan News / New Project / Project Milestone / 07.02.2022

Abundant open spaces and continuous active transport networks underline City of Ryde’s ambition for a more prosperous future following the public exhibition of the draft Green Links Masterplan.

The draft masterplan proposes sustainable connections between Ryde, Eastwood and Macquarie Park town centres, united by the three interconnected green link corridors in a bid to combat traffic-related emissions and provide more equitable open spaces for the local community.

Designed by McGregor Coxall in collaboration with City of Ryde Council and the community, the Green Links Masterplan will be a benchmark for blue-green infrastructure that supports habitats and important ecological processes in a growing urban environment.

The draft masterplan provides continuous green transport connectivity along activated open spaces, retaining and enhancing local ecologies while offering additional cultural and recreational facilities for the wider community. Approximately 130 ha of biodiverse open spaces and 16 kms of shared user paths will provide safe and direct pedestrian and cycle connections between Sydney’s Parramatta River to Lane Cove National Park.

Utilising unused open space networks, the draft strategy addresses the local pressures on traffic and public transport, open space, cultural experience, and demands for safe and diverse recreation opportunities.

“Green Links embodies Council’s bold pursuit of healthier, more prosperous, and more connected communities in Sydney’s Northwest,” said McGregor Coxall’s Senior Landscape Architect and Project Manager, Logan Pennington.

“The concept centres around the celebration of environment, green transport, recreation, and culture – all of which holistically frame a resilient future for the City of Ryde and its surrounds. An amalgamation of enhanced public space offerings, shared user paths, and a strong environmental agenda could set the tone for suburban living in Greater Sydney.

“The realisation of a safe, direct and continuous pedestrian-cycle network in Sydney’s Northwest will promote a far more enjoyable and healthier transport option for all local trips traditionally made by private vehicles. Growing urban environments demand high calibre green transport infrastructure to transform the way people travel in order to assist the reduction of carbon emissions.”

Addressing long-term climate-related risks such as extreme weather, bushfire, drought, and flooding, protected natural areas along the Green Links will strengthen regional biodiversity while reducing impacts on waterways, soil, and native vegetation.

Sports fields and play parks, including Santa Rosa Park, Beattie Park, Tindarra Reserve, ELS Hall Park, Forsyth Park, Forrester Park, and Lane Cove National Park feature as journey points along the Green Links route. Provisions of bike parking at key destinations, improved lighting, and signage and wayfinding contribute to the connections’ seamlessness.

The Green Links will play a strategic role in connecting education facilities, major business centres and urban renewal corridors between Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers – a firm commitment from Council to achieve benchmarked ecological, green transport, recreation and cultural objectives.

The masterplan integrates Greater Sydney Commission’s North District Plan, City of Ryde’s Local Strategic Statement and extensive community feedback, developed through a ‘whole of government’ approach factoring multiple landowners and key stakeholders at varying scales.

Funding for the masterplan project has been provided by the NSW Government, Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE), via the Metropolitan Greenspace Program, and prepared with in principal support from Transport for NSW and Sydney Water.

The Green Links Draft Masterplan is on public exhibition until Sunday 13 February. For more detailed information and to have your say, head to Council's website.

The Three Green Links

Shrimptons Green Link | Meadowbank/West Ryde to Macquarie Park

Shrimptons Creek Green Link is strategically significant for local and regional connection, realising a major missing link between Macquarie Park and the Parramatta River. The Green Link features strengthened active transport networks, connecting town centres, education centres (schools and universities) and a diverse range of public transport options (metro, rail, bus and ferry). Adjacent environmental systems will also be improved without compromising natural character and will be maintained and appreciated as a healthy natural area that acts as an ecological buffer to the creek.

County Green Link | Macquarie Park to Eastwood

This corridor links Macquarie Park to Eastwood, envisioned to provide a connected green open space network for recreation, active transport, ecology, culture, and interconnectivity between current and future public transport options.

Terrys Creek Green Link | Eastwood to Browns Waterhole Precinct

Terrys Creek forms an important regional biodiversity corridor, connecting to Lane Cove National Park. While recreational paths and boardwalks are provided through this area, the main focus is environmental; to protect and enhance the existing ecology.


OTHER NEWS

 
x