Westgate Park – Past, Present and Future

From BCNA Committee member Richard Nowotny:

Westgate Park nestles in the eastern sweep of the Westgate Bridge, a green oasis in industrial Fishermans Bend.

Formerly a natural salt-marsh, then sand mine, rubbish tip and WWII airfield, it has been rehabilitated over recent decades by a dedicated group of urban renovators, the Friends of Westgate Park, into an award-winning nature space for wildlife, walkers, cyclists, bird-watchers and picnic groups.

And, with the nearby industrial area slated for transformation into four new suburbs comprising the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, Westgate Park, situated on its western boundary, is to be expanded and developed to meet some of the recreational and aesthetic needs of a residential population estimated at 80,000 by 2050.

According to the early Draft Masterplan for Westgate Park, its expansion is to be achieved by incorporating the current go-cart land into the park, as a recreational oval connected to the present park by a pedestrian bridge over Todd Rd, with enhancement of overall park amenities and facilities to meet a range of community needs.

Already three parcels of former port land have been added to the park, which will, along with the go-cart land, ultimately more than double the original size of the park.

Residents of Beacon Cove can watch this transformation taking place on their northern fringe while availing themselves of the beauty, tranquillity and recreational opportunities that the park provides.