What is a master plan?
A master plan is a long-term high-level plan intended to provide guidance for Council and the community on how to manage development and change over time.
What is a plan of management?
The Local Government Act 1993requires Councils to prepare Plans of Management (PoM) for all land classified as community land. All public land is required to be classified as either 'community land' or 'operational land'. The Local Government Act allows for one or more areas of community land to be covered by a single PoM. Some parcels, such as Rathmines, are covered by a specific PoM due to its significance.
What community consultation took place to develop the concept designs?
In April and May 2021, we asked the community for feedback on a draft concept design for the children's play area in Rathmines Park. We also sought input on the type of skate/BMX facility the community would like to see, replacing the existing facility. You can view the engagement summary here.
Two draft concept designs were developed for Rathmines youth hub, based on the initial community feedback. The community had the opportunity to provide feedback on these concept designs in late 2021.
Is Rathmines Park on the NSW State Heritage Register?
Yes. Rathmines Park is an area with significant local and national historical value, recognised by its inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register. The Rathmines RAAF seaplane base played a pivotal role in the defence of Australia in World War II. It was the largest seaplane base in the Southern Hemisphere and was the longest serving during the war effort.
Due to its history and probably because of it, Rathmines Park remains a unique site of public space on the lake foreshore. It is valued for not only its heritage, but also its community and recreational features and experiences.
How has the heritage of the site been considered?
The Rathmines Park Plan of Management and Master Plan were developed in accordance with the Rathmines Park Conservation Management Plan (CMP).
The design of the skate park and youth hub will be consistent with the CMP and will draw on the unique heritage and aviation history of the site. The design of the facility is being guided by specialist heritage advice and will be subject to approval by Heritage NSW through a Section 60 application.
Will the car park be improved as well?
Council has received a grant from Resources for Regions to build a car park in conjunction with the youth hub. A car park in this location was identified in the Rathmines Park Master Plan and will be delivered as part of this project.
Where will the youth hub be located?
Located across the road from Rathmines Theatre, and next to the Parade Ground, Rathmines youth hub will replace the existing skate bowl infrastructure. Situated on the corner of Dorrington Road and Stilling Street, it has existing road access to sports fields, and a new car park, which will be constructed as part of the project.
The concept designs align with the facility placement depicted in the Rathmines Park Master Plan.
When will the youth hub be constructed?
Construction will take place in 2024 with completion expected late in the year.
What are the proposed features for the youth hub?
The Toronto Developer Contributions Plan provides funding for an upgraded skate park and pump track at Rathmines Park.
Council has been successful in attaining further funding through the Resources for Regions Grant Program, which will enable delivery of some of the additional elements identified in the Rathmines Park Master Plan, including a multi-court.
Concept images below - final design subject to change
Who is Convic?
Convic are a multi-award-winning company specialising in skate park and youth space design. Convic has been engaged by Council to design the Rathmines youth hub.
When will Rathmines playground be constructed?
We expect construction will begin in late-2023 and be complete in early 2024.
What is proposed for the playground improvements?
As part of the adopted master plan an upgrade to the current children’s playground area is planned. This area encompasses the current playground area, adjoining picnic area and two concrete pads.
The Toronto Catchment Contributions Plan includes funding for outdoor fitness equipment and an upgraded playground.
A grant under the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play program has also been awarded and this will enable the delivery of additional inclusive play elements, shelters and pathways.
The new playground area will feature:
- accessible amenities
- fitness equipment
- nature play area
- adventure play area incorporating a large climbing structure
- a Catalina-themed learn to ride area on the existing historic aircraft stores concrete pad
- retention of the existing playground
- priority pathways linking the car park to the playground, picnic facilities, amenities, fitness equipment and the broader path network.