The New South Wales government has released plans to rejuvenate Bradfield Park beside the northern pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which will expand open space, boost ongoing maintenance, and make the iconic harbour front parkland more accessible for the community.
The joint initiative between the state government and North Sydney Council aims to enhance local park amenity while ensuring the safe, ongoing maintenance of one of Australia’s most critical transport assets.
Work is scheduled to commence this year, with scaling back of the current worksite adjacent to the northern pylon. The move will return as much land as possible to public use while preserving the area required for essential bridge upkeep, including rust removal and repainting.
These maintenance efforts have been doubled by the NSW government ahead of the Harbour Bridge’s upcoming centenary in 2032.
To instantly improve visual amenity, upgraded hoardings and surrounding foliage will be installed around the compound. Authorities will also investigate further opportunities to return additional parkland as bridge works near completion.
Transport for NSW will lead delivery of major landscaping, improved drainage, and new turf during 2027 to rectify a decade of site erosion.
Meanwhile, Bradfield Plaza at the northern end of the park will be extended with new paved areas designed to accommodate future community events, markets, and pop-up activations.
Transport for NSW and Council will also collaborate on further upgrades, including new street furniture, trees, and native vegetation.
Concurrently, North Sydney Council will begin crafting a long-term masterplan for the park’s future management. Future land ownership models will balance Transport’s operational needs for the bridge and Harbour Tunnel with guaranteed council access to support a coordinated maintenance framework.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government was committed to renewing the iconic asset after years of decay.
“We’ll continue to work with North Sydney Council to improve the park’s presentation, maintenance and facilities and deliver lasting improvements that benefit the people of North Sydney and the broader community,” the minister said.
Mayor of North Sydney Council Zoë Baker welcomed the state’s collaboration, thanking the minister for addressing community concerns to secure and improve the cherished open space.
