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Paddington Reservoir Gardens

The Sunken Garden. Image Copyright Fiora Sacco

Officially Opened 29 March 2009

 

Winner of the 2009 Australian Award for Urban Design

The City's renewal of Paddington Reservoir Gardens on Oxford Street has won the prestigious 2009 Australian Award for Urban Design, from a field of 42 nominated projects. Sustainable Sydney 2030 received a commendation. Read More

 

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The City of Sydney's magnificent restoration of Paddington Reservoir Gardens was officially opened by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP on Sunday 29 March 2009.

The new open space and cultural facility restores the civic precinct, linking to Paddington Town Hall, the Post Office and historic Juniper Hall.

The park on the reservoir roof has been completely reconstructed and a stunning new sunken garden has been established in the reservoir's western chamber. Some vibrant graffiti art has been preserved in the eastern chamber, which provides a new space for community and cultural activities. Special lighting highlights the beautiful new timber work and stunning stone of the reservoir. New stairs and viewing platforms now provide access to the chambers.

Designed by the City Engineer, Edward Bell, the Paddington Reservoir was built between 1866 and 1878 and was a key element in Sydney’s early water supply.

The reservoir served Sydney well until it was finally decommissioned in 1899. It then became a garage and workshop for the Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board, and later a service station, until it was acquired by the Paddington Municipal Council for much-needed open space. Then from 1934, the lower level was leased as a commercial garage.

And that was how it remained until 1991, when sections of the roof collapsed and the reserve was closed to the public.

The park on top of the reservoir was named as the Walter Read Reserve, after a former Mayor of Paddington, and the small park adjacent, the John Thompson Reserve, after the poet and journalist who was a founding member of the Paddington Society.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens has already been described as a combination of the Baths of Caracalla and The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Location

Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Cnr Oxford Street and Oatley Road
Paddington
Sydney,  NSW 2021


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Last Updated: Tuesday 27 October, 2009

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