Wistaria Gardens formally becomes part of Parramatta Park
A western Sydney park with World Heritage listing is set to expand with the neighbouring Edwardian gardens officially becoming part of the 87-hectare landmark.
NSW
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Five years after the government declared it would transfer the picturesque Wistaria Gardens into Parramatta Park, the “significant win” has been confirmed and it will provide a chance for the public to have a say on how the historic site is restored to its former glory.
On Thursday, the State Government confirmed the two-hectare gardens, which brim with signature purple blooms and cherry blossoms in spring, would become part of the UNESCO-listed park and managed by the new Greater Sydney Parklands Trust.
It was formerly part of the Cumberland Hospital site.
“GSP will be tasked with transforming this beautiful, historic garden, with so much potential into a public space that the growing communities around Parramatta will flock to,’’ Infrastructure Minister Rob Stokes said.
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said the inclusion would provide the chance to lease Glengarriff House, an elegant building overlooking the flower beds and pond.
“Wistaria Gardens is a remarkable part of the nation’s heritage and one of Sydney’s last surviving large-scale Edwardian Gardens, which will be protected and restored to its former glory for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
“This is the start of a conversation with the community about how they would like GSP to manage Wistaria Gardens, which is highly valued for its cultural heritage, and as a tranquil haven on the edge of the bustling Parramatta CBD.’’
Constitution Hill nature lover Kanjana Khongkhruea usually attends the spring Wistaria Festival and suggested another event could be staged in the cooler months.
“I just love the flowers and the spring season,’’ she said.
“The only thing is that in spring there can be a lot of people seeing the cherry blossoms. It would be good if they can do it in autumn as well when the leaves change.’’
After lobbying for its inclusion into Parramatta Park, Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said the gardens would attract visitors to Parramatta.
“The transfer of Wistaria Gardens is long overdue and this should provide assurance to our city that these treasured gardens will soon be returned to their former glory,’’ she said.
“The wisteria and cherry blossoms are a sight to behold.’’
The trust will immediately begin horticultural work to improve the conditions of Wistaria Gardens in time for spring, before consulting with the community on plans to restore the gardens.
The 165-year-old Parramatta Park is one of 11 convict sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The trust is part of a new agency charged with protecting the environment and cultural heritage of Sydney’s existing parklands that include Centennial Parklands, including Queens and Moore parks, Callan Park, Western Sydney Parklands and Fernhill Estate.
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