Ku-ring-gai Council reveal plans for communal rooftop gardens for high-rise apartment buildings

KU-RING-GAI Council has championed a plan to make highrise apartments more like the leafy surrounds of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, following a motion to create rooftop communal gardens.

KU-RING-GAI Council has championed a plan to make highrise apartments more like the leafy surrounds of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, following a motion to create rooftop communal gardens.

Cr Sam Ngai called for the development of rooftop gardens across the upper north shore this year, in an effort to make up for the loss of the backyard lawn in high-density living.

Cr Ngai, who used to live in an apartment, said his love for green space was behind his motion.

Communal rooftop gardens could be a common feature for Ku-ring-gai buildings.

“There is always a strong sense of community and natural space to enjoy across Ku-ring-gai but, when you live in an apartment, there is a sense of isolation,” he said.

Cr Ngai said with the reduction of apartment sizes across the upper north shore, councils needed to consider new ways to provide green space close to home.

Cr Sam Ngai with his wife and one-year-old baby.

“Council is always looking for new parks and recreational space for residents,” he said.

“But I wanted to provide open space closer to home — and what better than on top of the building in a rooftop garden?”

Cr Ngai said Ku-ring-gai Council would encourage developers to consider rooftop gardens in the initial stages of planning with an award system.