Designs for Bank Street Park near Anzac Bridge in Pyrmont

An ‘iconic waterfront park’ with one of Australia’s longest harbourfront walkways will emerge from a once fenced-off area in the inner city.

An “iconic waterfront park” with a backdrop of the famous Anzac Bridge will be transformed from a once fenced off area into a bustling park.

The state government has released ambitious plans for Bank Street Park at Pyrmont, including a cycleway and walkways, public access to Blackwattle Bay for kayakers and a pontoon.

The park design will feature a foreshore promenade, which is the next “piece in the puzzle” towards the completion of one of Australia’s longest harbourfront walkways, spanning a 15km walk between Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.

It will also include a multipurpose court, playground and fitness stations, along with a community building to house a cafe and marina office.

Landscape architect Oculus, along with Collins + Turner, Greenshot Consulting and Greenaway Architects, designed the park, which is more than a hectare.

A once blocked off area from the public will be transformed into a stunning park.

Bank Street Park will have the backdrop of the famous Anzac bridge.

An artist’s impression of the open space flanking Blackwattle Bay.

“We are excited to unveil this iconic waterfront park, that will be loved by the community and a space that can be enjoyed by all on Sydney’s stunning harbour,” Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper said.

He said Bank Street Park was the first piece in the wider upgrade of Blackwattle Bay, which would include the Sydney Fish Market’s $750m redevelopment with public promenades, a ferry wharf and more than 30,000sq m of open space.

An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Sydney Fish Market.

It is expected to be open for business as early as next year.

“We heard from the community they would like to see some of the buildings retained and we have engaged local architects to assist in the adaptive reuse of one building for public amenities and provide an ‘interpretation garden’ using the existing foundations of another building,” Mr Kamper said.

The park will feature a cycleway and walkways.

The park’s development will mean the public can enjoy the recreational benefits before new homes and jobs are created.

The community is encouraged to have its say with Sydney independent MP Alex Greenwich thanking the community for being “actively involved in shaping the park’s features and activities”.

“We will continue to bring them on the journey as the park is brought to life,” he said.

“Once complete, Bank Street Park will ensure Sydney Harbour is more accessible for leisure activities, including private paddle craft, walking and cycling.

“The community will be able to kayak or paddleboard right up to the park, where they can enjoy a coffee from the cafe and walk along the foreshore before visiting the new Sydney Fish Market.”