New pathways and playgrounds planned for Hills Shire

The Hills Shire Council has advised on two projects that will provide more opportunities to walk, ride a bike and spend time outdoors.

The Cockayne Reserve project in Castle Hill involves the construction of:

• two new playgrounds

• two new pedestrian bridges, which will eventually link Middleton Avenue to Hills Showground Metro Station

• two-kilometres of shared pathway

• seating areas and landscaping.

A new shared pathway bridge will also be constructed over Smalls Creek to connect Curtis Road in North Kellyville to Farmer Circuit in Beaumont Hills. Works include:

• construction of the bridge and associated civil works at each end

• extension of the existing shared pathways on Curtis Road and Farmer Circuit up to the new bridge and landscaping.

Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi said both projects will unlock recreational opportunities for residents and added “these projects will help connect our communities and give people more opportunities to walk and ride around our beautiful Shire.

“The Cockayne Reserve project is part of the wider Cattai Creek Master Plan, which balances providing more amenities to our community with protecting and enhancing the valuable ecological areas along the creek line.

“Meanwhile, the new pedestrian bridge over Smalls Creek will provide our Beaumont Hills and North Kellyville residents with another point of access to move between the two suburbs.

“Once these projects are completed, our residents will have more room to move, more playgrounds to take the kids and better access to the suburbs and public transport links.”

The Cockayne Reserve project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, weather permitting. The Cockayne Reserve project is funded by the NSW Government in association with The Hills Shire Council.

Meanwhile, the new shared pathway bridge over Smalls Creek is scheduled for completion in early 2025, weather permitting.