Sydney's newest developments are transforming the already picturesque city into one of the world's best public park and green space urban centres. While the city is home to an astounding 188 hectares of parklands, new parklands and green spaces are continuing to boost the city's green footprint. Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said “Sydney is a global leader in providing visitors and locals with vibrant and enticing urban green spaces that they can embrace and enjoy.
“New urban developments like Barangaroo Reserve, the Goods Line and Central Park are transforming some of the city's oldest industrial sites into vibrant precincts, with spectacular parklands and green spaces integral to the development," said Ms Chipchase.
Craig van der Laan, Chief Executive of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, says creating enticing urban green spaces is vital in global cities such as Sydney.
“Exceptionally-designed urban green spaces provide opportunities to reconnect with nature in the heart of a bustling city.
“In recreating a Sydney Harbour headland at Barangaroo Reserve, we have turned an inaccessible old concrete container wharf into an internationally award-winning green space. We have given visitors access to six hectares of native parkland and a stunning sandstone foreshore. Our visitors take advantage of the open space by picnicking, cycling and, importantly, touching the waters of Sydney's famous Harbour,” said Mr van der Laan.
Sydney's green spaces are not just a result of recent urban renewal; they are important part of the city's heritage. Some of the city's most celebrated parks include the stunning 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney overlooking the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour National Park which protects hectares of natural bushland, coves and harbour islands, and the impressive 360-hectare Centennial Parklands which was established in 1888.
Many of Sydney's existing and new parklands feature Australian plants and offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Variety is the key – large open green spaces, spectacular harbour walks, architecturally-designed gardens and secluded pocket parks.
