Woollahra Council, New South, Wales, has delivered a facelift and functional upgrade to the foreshore at Watsons Bay, one of Sydney’s most popular tourist attraction.
New public works adjacent to Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf and at nearby Roberson Park in front of historic Dunbar House have provided an improved gateway to Watsons Bay and addressed public safety concerns regarding increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
The project involved relocating a turning circle and conversion of 500sqm of roadway to public open space, creating a pedestrian plaza and adding more seating and trees, providing increased capacity for seating, picnicking and recreation and addressing significant degradation of turf in the immediate area due to high foot traffic.
To achieve completion of the works in the low tourist season in preparation for the regular influx of visitors during spring and summer, some long-term milestones concerning staged works, design, consultation and procurement were required, including 18 months of planning and 12 weeks of construction.
Civil Works Project Manager, Caitlin Moffat, said, “Watsons Bay is a must do stop for most tourists and we really wanted both of these projects finalised before peak tourist season kicked in at the end of the year, when ferry loads and buses full of visitors make their way to the area for a day out.
“The project has revitalised a beautiful location by the harbour by providing increased opportunities for people to stop and enjoy the view, while also complementing the heritage aspect of the Watsons Bay Promenade.
“To be able to improve the way in which we present that view and the park to the rest of the world has been a fantastic experience.”
