Western Sydneys new Bayside Recreation Precinct a step closer
The NSW Government today welcomed the unanimous decision by the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel to approve the concept plans for the Wentworth Point Rowing Club, part of the all-year-round recreational facilities planned for Sydney’s newest maritime precinct at Wentworth Point, Homebush Bay.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said the joint proposal by UrbanGrowth NSW and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) represents a significant investment by the government to develop new recreational areas and maritime infrastructure for Western Sydney.
“Once built, this facility will provide growing local communities with access to a world-class rowing club and training gym, club hospitality venues, viewing deck, along with a publicly accessible jetty launch area for kayaks and small watercraft,” Mr Stokes said.
“At the same time as releasing land for new homes and building supporting transport infrastructure, this government is also making valuable investments in social infrastructure like parklands and recreational areas, helping make Homebush Bay a great place to live, work and play.”
Minister Gay said the rowing club is a great example of how this government is reinvigorating neglected pockets of Sydney, breathing new life into the Homebush area.
“It is going to be a great asset for the community, visitors and river users alike,” said Minister Gay.
Member for Drummoyne, John Sidoti said the facility would add to both the visual and cultural character of this emerging modern housing precinct and help grow participation in rowing as a sport across the wider community.
About the Wentworth Point Rowing Club concept
The Wentworth Point Rowing Club concept includes a three-level overwater structure that takes in unparalleled vistas of Homebush Bay and the Rhodes Peninsula skyline. It has a 180 degree, prime north-easterly aspect of the Homebush Bay rowing course, an area already popular with community rowing clubs.
The upper levels provide room for rowing club facilities, including an indoor dry training gym, club restaurant, licensed club bar, club function rooms and expansive observation decks.
A 24 hour, publically accessible kayak launch is located on the southern side of the building, and the jetty will allow for access and egress at any hour to launch small, community watercraft such as canoes and kayaks.
The facility, scheduled to open in 2018 will be owned by RMS and made available to an operator through a 40-year lease. The project team has worked closely with peak rowing representatives, local council, the EPA, NSW Health and the community to gain unanimous support for the proposal.
The concept approval follows the earlier successful efforts of UrbanGrowth NSW in securing the infrastructure approval for the broader ‘Peninsula’ subdivision.
The approval includes upgraded utility services, a 3.9 hectare regional park and road infrastructure, cycleways, seawalls, playgrounds and 1000 square metres of community space capable of future fit out by Parramatta Council.
Source: News Release, New South Wales Government, 30 May, 2016