Improving neighbourhood parks in Redfern
We’re creating greener, cooler, more welcoming parks with native trees and plants.
Planned
We’re preparing a detailed design for the upgrade of 3 parks in Redfern. Works are expected to start in 2026.
What we’re doing
More than 4,500m² of parks will be improved at Redfern Community Centre open space, Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve.
Redfern is experiencing major changes with increased development around Redfern and Waterloo stations. The aim of this project is to use the open space to create a neighbourhood that:
- celebrates its Aboriginal culture and history
- is green and cool with native trees and plants
- lets communities come together to socialise and celebrate
- is safe to move around and play.
Redfern's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage will be at the heart of these improvement works. We’ve appointed Yerrabingin to help design the project with the local community.
The proposal for the 3 parks includes:
- a new playground for children of all ages
- a new shaded barbecue and seating area
- more lawn area suitable for free play, community events and pop-up attractions
- gathering spaces and more seating opportunities throughout the parks
- new trees and plants, increasing greening and tree canopy cover
- improving the path network with better access through the parks
- renewing the basketball court on Hugo Street with improved noise mitigation measures
- improving the off-leash dog area in Hugo Street Reserve
- low wall seating and improving lighting on the main path in the Redfern Community Centre open space
- activating Redfern terrace with capacity to tell local stories through a ‘living museum’, as outlined in the Eora Journey.
Why we’re doing this
In November 2022 we worked with the community to develop a vision for the parks and streets surrounding the Redfern Community Centre.
We presented the draft plans for the neighbourhood to the community for feedback in July 2023.
We used their comments to revise our plans in October 2023.
At its May 2024 meeting, Council endorsed the upgrade works for Redfern Community Centre open space, Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve.
This project presents a unique opportunity to achieve key actions outlined in our Stretch reconciliation action plan.
