Luna Park leaves prime Sydney Harbour land fenced off despite $5m deal with Penelope Seidler

PENELOPE SEIDLER, the widow of famed Sydney architect Harry, says Luna Park has failed to come good on a $5m deal to transform a parcel of land into an extension of a park dedicated to her late husband.

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A BLOCK of land with prime harbour views that was to be part of a public park dedicated to famed Sydney architect Harry Seidler is languishing behind a corrugated iron fence despite the late architect’s widow Penelope Seider donating $5m towards the project almost a decade ago.

The deal was struck between Mrs Seidler and Luna Park to transform the plot at Milsons Point into a park.

But it hasn’t happened. Mrs Seidler — who is director of Harry Seidler and Associates — is now demanding an explanation.

“I’m disappointed that they haven’t extended the park because this is the most beautiful area in Sydney and it’s a shame to see it neglected,” she said.

“I would like the government to say what their intention is in the public interest.”

The land is blocked off by this fence. Picture: Annika Enderborg

The undeveloped land in front of the Seidler Office Building.

Mrs Seidler, who described the fence as “ridiculous”, paid Luna Park the money to prevent a high-rise being constructed next to the award-winner Seidler Office Building, designed by her late husband.

Under the deal, Mrs Seidler says she transformed a pocket of land into Harry’s Park in his memory.

The Seidler Office Building at 2 Glen St Milsons Point. Picture: Max Dupain, 1973.

The adjoining clifftop land was supposed to be landscaped by Luna Park to become an extension of Harry’s Park.

She told the Mosman Daily she is not sorry she paid the money, as it protected the land, but believes “they should be able to do a bit more” with the funds.

A view of the fenced off plot that adjoins the landscaped Harry’s Park to the right. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Mrs Seidler has the backing of community campaigner Ian Mutton.

Mr Mutton said the land, which is about 600sq m, has been used to store materials and park cars.

A spokeswoman for Brookfield, Luna Park’s parent company, said it was committed to securing a long-term sustainable future for the fun park.

Harry’s Park at Milsons Park with the adjoining block yet to be transformed into an extension.

“Brookfield welcomes the opportunity to work with the NSW Government to implement value-add initiatives at Luna Park, such as the land near Harry’s Park, in accordance with the already agreed strict legal guidelines,” she said.

The late architect Harry Seidler.

Mr Mutton is holding a community meeting to discuss what the government is planning for the harbourside area.

It will be held at the McMahons Point Community Hall on April 7 at 8pm.

Several other issues will be up for discussion including Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden and the Lavender Bay Rail Siding.

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