AusLeisure

Aiming to transform an underutilised corridor into a green spine with active links and passive recreation, The Hills Shire Council has moved to adopt a Draft Concept Master Plan funded by the NSW Government which proposes new pathways, seating and connections for pedestrians and cyclists between Middleton Avenue through to Carrington Road, and onto Showground Road, in Castle Hill.

The project will also see valuable ecological areas protected and the Cattai Creekline rehabilitated.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the new Showground Precinct - which is one of four precincts rezoned in The Hills to support growth and vibrancy around the Metro Stations - is a popular, active and lively place to live, and over the next two decades more people are expected to move into the area.

“With this in mind, we want to develop a plan to deliver a much-needed green space that will provide active links and passive recreation that will support this community.

Mayor Byrne added “It also compliments the redevelopment of the Castle Hill Showground and provides residents with another option to access the Showground Metro Station.”

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Executive Director for Infrastructure & Place, Martin Reason, said the NSW Government’s funding for The Hills Shire Council’s Draft Concept Master Plan was part of the Precinct Support Scheme.

Reason noted “Public spaces and shared paths are just as important to the community as roads and shops, and these new facilities will provide local residents, workers and visitors with better access to active transport.

“We are ensuring communities across Greater Sydney reap the benefits and enjoy new and improved open space and infrastructure as their communities grow.”

Associate Director and Landscape Architecture Discipline Leader at McGregor Coxall, Matt Ritson said the Cattai Creek Corridor is a hidden gem that will become a critically important open space for Castle Hill’s growing community. 

Ritson advised "the creek plays an important role as a home for a diverse variety of valuable flora and fauna which will be protected and enhanced through the landscape and environmental design approach.

“Leveraging the strategic outcomes of the adopted Castle Hill Masterplan works completed by our Urban Design Team, the project will create new connections to key destinations within the local community, including the iconic Castle Hill Showground and Showground Station, as well as provide new and refined green spaces for the community to enjoy. 

“We are excited to collaborate with The Hills Shire Council once again in realising this transformational vision for Cattai Creek Corridor.”

The Draft Concept Master Plan was developed in collaboration with the community. Council will continue to consult with residents as further design stages become available and once construction commences.

Image top: Hills Shire Mayor Byrne at Cattai Creek; image above: Hills Shire Cattai Creek corridor landscape masterplan

Related Articles

22nd July 2021 - The Hills Shire announces playground design chosen for Glenhaven Oval

6th July 2021 - Hills Shire adventure playground upgrade completed at Turon Avenue Reserve

18th March 2021 - Hills Shire commits to providing more accessible playspaces

17th December 2020 - Hills Shire Council to enter into licence agreement with Parramatta Eels for redevelopment of Kellyville Park  

4th August 2021 - Horsham’s street tree program sees nearly 700 trees planted this winter

18th May 2021 - Victorian Government commits to planting half a million trees in Melbourne’s west

14th May 2021 - Christchurch Council moves to better protect native trees and plants

10th March 2021 - Penrith Council plants 340 new trees in Chameleon Reserve

26th October 2020 - 10,000 trees planted around Tamworth sporting complexes

13th October 2019 - Darwin set to plant 4000 trees to create green liveable spaces

14th July 2019 - Cairns Regional Council initiative sees planting of 20,000 trees

27th April 2019 - Sydney’s Bayside Council to plant 800 trees

11th April 2018 - NSW Government to plant five million new trees across Sydney by 2030

24th October 2015 - Ballarat to plant hundreds of trees to create a greener image

19th October 2009 - Urban trees deliver green benefits

16th July 2021 - Camden Council receives funding to expand its tree canopy

26th June 2021 - Urban tree canopy planned for trail linking Parramatta to lower Blue Mountains

20th May 2021 - Canopy Grant Program continues to help combat Perth’s urban heat

3rd February 2021 - City of Gold Coast expands its ‘green canopy’

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.