Plans revealed for Sydney’s answer to the New York High Line

THE first concept plans for Sydney’s answer to the New York High Line walk have been revealed by a campaign group.

Ian Mutton is leading a campaign to transform the railway. Picture: David Swift

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THE first sketch of Sydney’s answer to the New York High Line has been revealed.

A community group is campaigning to see a rail corridor along the harbour transformed into public parklands.

Architecture firm Harry Seidler and Associates created the image which portrays the Lavender Bay section of the land.

The image includes a potential playing field, recreation area and a living museum with vintage trains running on the line.

“Is it possible? Yes. Is it necessary? Absolutely,” said community activist Ian Mutton.

“We just want the government to share the dream and deliver it.”

Artists's impression of the High Line. Picture: Harry Seidler and Associates

Mr Mutton has founded the Sydney Harbour High Line Association and has so far signed up 100 members.

The group is having discussions with the Department of Transport and has also briefed the Premier’s Department on the idea.

Mr Mutton has walked along the route from Waverton to Lavender Bay, which includes a tunnel.

“It’s a cathedral like experience through the tunnel,” he said.

“The panorama of the bays and harbour is just out of this world. It was a real magic experience.”

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is a tourist attraction. Photo: Bob Barker.

Mr Mutton pointed out that the walking trail would provide a link to a series of parks along the harbour including Sawmillers Reserve and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.

Sydney Trains said the corridor known as the Lavender Bay Rail Siding was essential for operating the Sydney Trains network.

“The Lavender Bay Rail Siding is used for daily crew training and to store trains in between morning and evening peaks. There is no other facility that could fulfil this role for this part of the network,” a spokeswoman said.

Sawmillers Reserve holds an annual sculpture exhibition. Picture: Adam Ward

The heritage-listed rail corridor runs from Luna Park to Waverton railway station.

It is about 2.5km long and was built in the 1890s, linking Hornsby to the harbour.

It was an active commuter railway until the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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