Hornsby Shire: Council’s range of initiatives, including Hornsby Park, Westleigh Park and Hornsby Town Centre

Council has proposed a $21 million upgrade for a major park in the shire, with other areas also benefiting from an injection of funds. See what’s planned and where here.

Hornsby Shire Council has moved one step closer to giving the green light to a raft of ambitious plans, totalling more than $30 million in combined costs.

In last week’s meeting, the council set out its vision for the coming year, placing its draft Delivery Program and Operation Plan (DPOP) on public exhibition.

Mayor Philip Ruddock said this plan follows extensive community consultation as well as the moderate surplus the council achieved during Covid-19.

“In preparing this (DPOP), Council has carefully considered the impacts of recent shocks, including Covid-19 and extreme weather, and how we can best support the community,’ Mayor Ruddock said.

“(It) sets out in detail the many steps Council will take to make Hornsby Shire a more resilient community, working with our community toward environmental sustainability, and maintaining our beautiful natural environment even as we provide for essential development.”

Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock has praised Council’s plans. Picture: Joel Carrett.

As part of the council’s push to tackle climate change, Mayor Ruddock has also committed to, wherever possible, incorporating carbon zero processes in the design and usage of these initiatives.

One of the most notable proposals is the plan to create Hornsby Park on the site of the former Hornsby Quarry.

“The rehabilitation of the old quarry is the largest single project ever undertaken by Hornsby Shire Council,” the DPOP states.

With the first stage of this park set to open in 2024, council has proposed $21 million in spending on improvements and detailed designs of this park over the next year.

Sketch of Hornsby Park draft masterplan

Artist impression of what Hornsby Park could look like.

Another key initiative laid out in the DPOP is $1.7 million of funds dedicated towards the commencement of upgrades at Westleigh Park.

According to current plans, Westleigh Park’s upgrades would facilitate bushland restoration, new play areas, bushwalking and mountain bike trails, as well as three sports platforms.

Stage one of Westleigh Park’s upgrades is expected to be completed by 2026.

What it could look like … artist impression of Westleigh Park.

Other proposals included in the DPOP are improvements to Beecroft town centre ($600,000), Asquith to Mount Colah public domain improvements ($3.5 million), local road repairs ($3.8 million) and footpath upgrades ($500,000).

The DPOP also proposes a review of the Hornsby Town Centre, which is intended to help the council meet growing population and housing demands.

“Council’s Housing Strategy acknowledges that over 4,000 new dwellings could be accommodated within the Town Centre by 2036,” the DPOP states.

After council voted to endorse the draft DPOP, these plans will be placed on public exhibition until May 16, 2022.