1987: Penrith Lakes Scheme Unveiled

In 1987, the NSW Government signed an agreement with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (a joint venture between Boral, CSR and Pioneer) to convert quarries near Penrith into recreational land.

This also included the creation of seven man-made lakes (would eventually be 12). Early plans for the land included a mix of theme parks, sports centres, heritage sites, horse-riding trails, and water-sport precincts, including a rowing course.

Source: Nicholson, L. 1987. "$183mil lake plan to rival harbour". The Daily Telegraph, August 12: 7. 

The rowing course would evolve into the Sydney International Regatta Centre, built as part of the 2000 Olympic Games and hosting Rowing, Kayaking, and Canoeing. In addition, the Sydney Whitewater Stadium hosted the Canoe and Kayak Slalom events. In addition, the Sydney International Regatta Centre can host other sporting events such as triathlons. 

Quarrying ended in 2015, and the area continues to evolve. Penrith (Pondi) Beach was opened to the public for use during the summer months in 2023 and has rapidly gained popularity among locals and Sydneysiders alike.

Most of the space will remain as open space for public access. Plans include building the Sydney Aerospace Park and Nepean Business Park, a golf course, and a waterfront precinct known as Southbank.

Click here to find out more about the development of Penrith Lakes.

1999: The Domain & Royal Botanic Gardens are reconnected

Photo was taken by the Author (2015). 

This week, I focus on a little park right next to the Art Gallery of NSW which is quite popular with visitors. This is accessed via Art Gallery Road.

It was opened on January 12, 1999, by NSW Premier Bob Carr as part of works on the Eastern Distributor, which opened to traffic in December 1999.

The park also happens to cross right over the Cahill Expressway, and reconnected The Domain and Royal Botanical Gardens for the first time in forty years.

Hence the bridge that crosses the Expressway is referred to as a "landbridge".

The cost of building the park amounted to $20 million and was criticised by the NSW opposition arguing the money needed to be spent on rural roads instead. Half of the costs of construction were to be covered by tolls from the Eastern Distributor with NSW taxpayers covering the rest.

But was it necessary if it improved the amenity of the area?  I think so.In fact, its become a nice local lookout to admire the views east towards Kings Cross and Sydney Harbour. Some just see it as a place to just relax and let the world go by.

The landbridge itself also aids in accessing Woolloomooloo if going there by foot.

Source: Bissett, K. 1999. "Motorway canopy bridging gallery gap opened: $41 m cost of Edmund's new lawn". The Daily Telegraph, January 13:7.