Sydney Park chimneys, kilns to be upgraded under latest parkland plan for inner suburbs

More than $10m is set to be splashed upgrading a row of dilapidated chimneys and kilns at Sydney Park as part of the latest project aimed at creating new parkland in the city’s inner suburbs.

More than $10m is set to be splashed upgrading a row of dilapidated chimneys and kilns at Sydney Park as part of the latest project aimed at creating new parkland in the city’s inner suburbs.

Heritage restoration works, new grass lawns and walking tracks form part of a $10.6m plan by the City of Sydney to revive the historic structures at the Alexandria parkland next to the Pacific Hwy.

The proposal is one of the largest public green space projects planned by the council and comes as Lord Mayor Clover Moore has publicly backed contentious plans to carve up Moore Park Golf Course to create new parkland for residents of the densely populated council area.

The heritage-listed chimneys and kilns at Sydney Park have long been recognised as a symbol of the city’s industrial past and hold both historical and cultural significance.

Over time the structures – which stand as tall as 49.3m – have deteriorated, and now require significant stabilisation works to ensure they continue to last the test of time.

A concept photo of the council upgrade.

Restoration works planned by the council include reinforcement, strengthening and drainage works. New community features set to be added as part of the works include heritage interpretation signage, landscaping, lighting, tree planting, footpaths and lawns.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said further plans were also being considered to potentially “activate” one or more of the structures for community use.

A concept image of the project.

This followed consultations with residents who called for the site to be opened up for community events such as markets, galleries, live music and art events.

Ms Moore said activation works would be dependent on assessing safety concerns and potential heritage impacts.

“The brick kiln and chimney structures are the largest remaining intact brick kilns in NSW (and) making them available for community or cultural uses would be quite exciting,” she said.

New community spaces would be added as part of the project.

Plans by the council state major challenges associated with the upgrade include working with “unsafe and decaying structures” as well as “getting a vocal and engaged community on board” the project.

The works will include adding steel framing around the perimeter of the three of the kilns, while portions of brick paving and metal gates will also be salvaged for potential reuse.

Concept images of the development reveal heritage items such as machinery would be positioned within the new community spaces.

A historic photo of the kilns.

The structures tower over Sydney Park in Alexandria.

Designs for the project have drawn inspiration from other historic precincts in Sydney including the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Ballast Point Park in Birchgrove and the Coal Loader in Waverton.

“The proposal will enable the City of Sydney to rejuvenate this valued precinct while ensuring its continued conservation for future generations,” the council’s plans for the project state.

“Upon completion, (this will) allow for removal of the security fencing (which) will have a positive heritage impact and improve the setting of the buildings and accessibility throughout the site.”

Records show the kilns were once a key feature of the local brick making industry that dominated the area. During its operation, shale was extracted from deep pits, crushed and pressed into green bricks that were fired in the large kilns.

Today, the current site comprises four chimneys, two large patent kilns, three down draught kilns, remnants of a further down draught kiln and machinery equipment from a former mill building.