Middle Head: Plans revealed for food venues, ‘interpretation’ centre, walking tracks at historic site

A historic harbour precinct is set to be revived with new walking tracks, food and drink offerings, and changes to a popular sporting facility at the site. See the plans.

An artist impression of the new visitor experiences.

Major transformation plans have been revealed for Middle Head including new walking tracks and viewing points across Sydney Harbour.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has opened feedback on a new master plan aimed at boosting visitor numbers of the historic former defence precinct.

The proposal includes a new walking track which would loop around the headland, along with a shorter ‘plateau walk’ circling the main entrance area of the precinct.

Buildings within the historic Middle Harbour barracks dating back to 1940s could be transformed by leasing them to tenants such as food and beverage providers.

Major upgrade works would be required to bring this aspect of the master plan to fruition including refurbishments to the buildings, upgrading pedestrian links, and carrying out new landscaping works including courtyards.

Former barracks buildings would be revived as part of the proposal.

A new ‘interpretation centre’ would be built to offer visitors information about the stories and significance of the Middle Head through digital interpretation programs.

The Middle Head Oval – currently used by a range of local sporting groups – would also be upgraded as part of the masterplan.

New walking tracks would be created at the headland.

The masterplan proposes relocating the oval changing facility to “open up and enhance views of the site” and integrating the changing facilities into the interpretation centre.

Other features including a curated First Nations walk, new pick-up and drop-off points for visitors and lookout vantage points which the masterplan described as boasting “speculator” views across Sydney Harbour.

The masterplan is the result of three years’ planning aimed at reviving the cultural and historic precinct.

In 2019, the federal government provided the Harbour Trust with $14m in funding towards the upgrade.

A concept image of the barracks buildings.

The masterplan recognised there are various challenges associated with the redevelopment including upgrade works to historically significant buildings.

The provision of visitor carparking is also a challenge with the masterplan proposing 321 parks are across the precinct – an increase of just two spaces based on current levels.

Public feedback on the masterplan opened today and will close on April 18.

A final master plan based on consultation is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.