Final designs released for western Sydney’s Bradfield Central Park

Final designs for western Sydney’s Bradfield City Centre Central Park have been released for exhibition today. Due to open alongside the Bradfield Metro station in 2026, the NSW Government is expecting the two hectare parklands will serve as the main civic centre, gathering place, and welcoming point for visitors, while also acting as a key arts and culture hub for Western Sydney.

A national design excellence competition was held to determine the future park’s design, judged by an esteemed jury including NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin, renowned landscape architect and designer of Manhattan’s High Line in New York City James Corner; FLUMINIS Design Advisory Services’ Kate Luckraft; Gallagher Studio’s Dr Libby Gallagher, and Jiwah’s Clarence Slockee.

The final design showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dharug people and celebrates Sky Country. As the first design competition in NSW to integrate Designing with Country as a core requirement, Bradfield City Centre’s Central Park will set a benchmark for future public open spaces.

Key features of Central Park include:

• a gathering ground for community and cultural events, with a capacity of more than 5,000 people

• The site includes extensive greenery, with minimum 65 per cent tree canopy cover of native species. 570 mature trees and 73,000 native plants will be planted, developed in collaboration with the Mt Annan Royal Botanic Gardens, local nurseries, and Traditional Custodians

• A Skyring installation celebrating Sky Country.

• Interwoven Heart featuring Dharug weaving and woven play to enhance exploration, play, education, shade and celebration of First Nations culture.

• Integrated public art encouraging curiosity and discovery of the landscape.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully noted “Well designed public spaces are the lifeblood of any successful city and community.

“Central Park will be the first impression visitors have when they arrive in Bradfield city from the new Western Sydney International Airport, so it’s critical we get it right.

“We want this to be a world-class, open green space that will complement the urban Bradfield city, providing diversity of spaces for everyone.

“Investments in public spaces like Central Park are about social equity, providing the people of Western Sydney with access to more high-quality open spaces to enjoy.”

Western Parkland City Authority Chair, Jennifer Westacott added “Central Park will be a high-quality urban amenity at the heart of Bradfield City Centre.

“It will bring people and importantly businesses in, boosting the economic value of everything around it.

“We’re delivering a beautiful and sustainable landmark city space that is going to be a gathering place for the people of Western Sydney for generations to come.”

Designs for Central Park are on exhibition for public comment on the NSW Planning Portal until 24 July 2024.