The redevelopment of heritage-listed Ryde Pumping Station and surrounding lands into community buildings, green spaces and cycle paths is a step closer thanks to a new agreement between the NSW Government and Sydney Water.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Stuart Ayres, said the two parties had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to progress options for developing unused areas of the site for community use.
“The pandemic has shown that access to green open spaces is crucial for communities to thrive, and this site presents a unique opportunity to provide more land for recreation and community facilities,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is a commitment to give the public more access to quality areas to relax, ride a bike, have a picnic and catch up with friends and family.
“An important part of this agreement is determining how we can repurpose Ryde Pumping Station into a site for community use while still respecting its heritage.”
The land currently owned by Sydney Water surrounding the Ryde Pumping Station forms part of the area of the new Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct.
Under the MoU signed between Investment NSW and Sydney Water, land not required for Sydney Water’s operations can be preserved for community use, including pedestrian and cycle paths, green spaces and food and beverage facilities.
Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, said the commitment shows NSW can cater for increased population growth and still deliver on essential community spaces.
“This will be a terrific boost to the West Ryde area and it’s exciting to know that as part of the agreement, we’ll be looking at how the site will be better linked to the rest of the town centre,” Mr Dominello said.
“By delivering more green space and community facilities in this area we are delivering on a long-held commitment to give the people of Ryde greater area to play, relax and socialise.”
Sydney Water’s General Manager Customer, Strategy and Engagement, Maryanne Graham said this is a fantastic opportunity for Sydney Water to contribute to the future development of Greater Sydney’s outdoor spaces and parklands.
“The impacts of the pandemic have really reinforced the value of urban open spaces to the community,” Ms Graham said.
“The central location within the burgeoning employment, education and innovation precinct provides the community with easy access and improved connectivity to expansive green space, while also paying homage to the beautiful heritage buildings that adorn the site.”
The MoU forms an integral part of the NSW Government and Greater Sydney Commission’s Place Vision and Master Plan for the Precinct, which aims to deliver better learning opportunities, new jobs, improved connectivity with greener streets and public spaces.
Sydney Water and Investment NSW will continue to work together and engage on the future of the West Ryde site to ensure these opportunities are realised.
Further information on the work underway and the vision for the in the Precinct can be found at https://www.greater.sydney/project/meadowbank
