St Leonards: Public park, plaza to be build above train line

With space within Sydney at a premium, developers have revealed plans for a spectacular new park built above one of the city’s busiest train lines. SEE THE VIDEO

A north shore council is looking to the region’s train tracks to solve the dilemma of where to put new green space to address the population surge in one of Sydney’s fastest growing regions.

Elevated boardwalks, lookouts and picnic areas are among the features of a new public park and plaza that is set to be built over a section of the North Shore Rail Line south of St Leonards Station.

Plans released this week show the $20 million project would include gardens, a meandering lawn, planter walls, a boardwalk, lookout points over the rail line, picnic areas, meeting nooks and barbecue areas.

A concept plan of the park and plaza

The 4750 sqm green space would also have play areas for kids including a netted play rope zone, crawl through tunnels and a suspended play area.

The park would be built on a 1.7m thick foundation separating it from the rail line below and include connections to St Leonards Station, along with access to new shops, offices and surrounding units.

A section of Canberra Ave to the west of the site would be converted into a shared-use area with “kiss and ride” drop off zones and access ramps for pedestrians and cyclists. 

The project would provide breathing space for local residents.

Lane Cove Council, which has developed the proposal, said the project was designed to address the construction boom in St Leonards and Crows Nest that is set to see 6600 new dwellings built in the two suburbs over the next 15 years.

“This project will meet the open space demands for workers and urban growth by providing public open space that is accessible, active and vibrant,” the plans stated.

The council said construction plans for the St Leonards plaza have been developed using existing rail line closures in a move to minimise disruptions on commuters.

A concept plan of the plaza

The park has been largely bankrolled by “developer contributions” from the list of recently completed and under construction high-rise tower projects that have transformed the St Leonards skyline, along with a $4.8 million State Government grant.

Residents will get a chance to name the new green space during public consultation this year.

The project is not the first over-station development in the pipeline for Sydney with plans also underway to create a new “urban precinct” with units, shops and parks over the rail yards south of Central Station.

North Sydney Council is also pushing for a stretch of the Warringah Fwy to be capped and transformed into a park to address the shortage of green space on the lower north shore.

Construction on the St Leonards plaza is due to begin this year and open in 2022, pending final approvals.