Heritage restoration program to improve access to Centennial Park

Centennial Parklands is progressively restoring and repairing the historic sandstone gates around Centennial Park – and the latest project will further improve access for the increasing number of cyclists and pedestrians entering the Parklands.

For over 127 years eight sandstone gates (and six kilometres of steel palisade fencing) have protected Centennial Park. To ensure these significant structures withstand the test of time and remain safe, Centennial Parklands has been undertaking a restoration program.

As of the coming days, the latest step in the project will see the restoration of the historic Musgrave Avenue Gates.

Utilising funding from the Parklands' Sustainable Parklands Projects Program, and additional financial and resource support from the Centennial Parklands Foundation and NSW Public Works, this is the third restoration in two years - with works already completed on the Woollahra Gates (pictured above) and the Paddington Gates.

Identified as a priority heritage project during the development of the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040, Musgrave Gates (located at the eastern end of Centennial Park on the corner of Darley and York Road) has become an important entrance to Centennial Park with the upswing in commuter cycling and pedestrian visitation.

Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands Executive Director Kim Ellis explains “in the last two years we have invested nearly a million dollars into our heritage gates and boundary fencing.

“More than 20 million visits are made to the Parklands every year, many of them through these gates.

“The gates also represent some of Australia’s most significant entranceways, a number of them having played significant roles in national celebrations and ceremonies.”

Designed by Government Architect W.L. Vernon and constructed by Loveridge & Hudson, Stonemasons in the late 19th century, the Musgrave Gates were named after the then Governor of Queensland, Sir Anthony Musgrave. Today Musgrave Gates serve as a busy cyclist and pedestrian entrance and exit point connecting Queens Park and Centennial Park, the eastern suburbs and beyond.

For further information go to www.centennialparklands.com.au/projects

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