The new ‘local oasis’ you can watch fireworks from – but not until 2028
By Cindy Yin
A new foreshore park on Sydney’s lower north shore being touted as a destination for viewing New Year’s Eve fireworks will transform a derelict industrial site into open green space, but only when it opens in early 2028 after a three-year delay.
The Berrys Bay parkland was slated to open late in 2024 but has been pushed back for more than three years, and construction began in June – almost two years after it was supposed to start.
A former industrial site in Berrys Bay, Waverton, could become a hotspot for fireworks viewers.Credit: Nick Moir
The site, tucked between Balls Head and Blues Point in Waverton, was originally earmarked for construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel before the NSW government scrapped plans to lay massive tubes on the harbour floor in favour of digging a deeper tunnel.
The about-turn in engineering techniques means construction sites for the tunnel are no longer needed at Berrys Bay. The government will aim to open the park before the Western Harbour Tunnel opens to motorists in 2028.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison expects the parkland, with its stunning view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to become a popular destination for those watching New Year’s Eve fireworks.
“Certainly, it will be a real drawcard. It’s one of the most iconic Australian views – and it just gets better the more you walk through this area,” Aitchison said.
The foreshore park will provide stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Credit: Nick Moir
“It will drive tourism. It will provide that local oasis for community members from the busyness of Sydney with a fantastic, priceless view of Sydney Harbour.”
Draft designs show the park, which spans 1.6 hectares, will introduce accessible foreshore pathways, barbecues, play areas and a community pavilion.
Work on the revamp was originally estimated to be $30 million but fresh figures show it will cost about $50 million, according to Aitchison.
A spokesperson for the minister said extra funding was allocated due to the scope of the project changing extensively.
“The work at Berrys Bay is part of the overall budget for Western Harbour Tunnel, which has not changed.”
Renders highlight the proposed draft design, where the community will be allowed to have a say in some design elements.Credit: NSW Government
North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said: “The community and council welcome new parkland, particularly on the foreshore and for recreational use.
“Because it will be on the waterfront and accessible by public transport, it’ll be yet another [popular spot for fireworks]. It will be an amazing piece of regional open space for not only the people in North Sydney but the whole of Sydney.”
The revamp will unlock an area that has been inaccessible for decades and will create a continuous foreshore path from Carradah Park to Balls Head Reserve.
Berrys Bay consists of three precincts – a former BP site, Woodley’s boatyard and the Quarantine Boat. The site has deep industrial roots – it was used as a fuel storage facility for most of the 1900s and was the location for a BP refinery.
Woodley’s shed will be deconstructed, with the materials salvaged and stored before being integrated into a new community facility at the site.
The draft designs will be open for consultation from July 28.
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