The draft masterplan for a new 59-hectare public park near the Hornsby CBD has been revealed. Designed by Clouston Associates in collaboration with Hornsby Shire Council, Hornsby Park will include the site of the former Hornsby Quarry and its surrounds.
The former quarry void will form the heart of the park, with plans envisioning the establishment of a major green space along the quarry’s west wall with a sweeping all access path that descends from the quarry’s edge down to a large lawn, informal amphitheatre and freshwater lake beneath the southern cliffs. Other features include lookouts, a wetlands cascade, a lakeside amenities building and a major lift on the quarry’s north wall that will provide equitable and universal access to the quarry base. Abseiling and climbing on the quarry rockface are listed in the plan as potential activities within the quarry site.
Plans for the Old Mans Valley parkland directly adjoining the quarry also form part of the masterplan. This part of the site will function as a gateway into the parkland as a whole and will be directed toward community needs, with multi-use fields, orchard bosque planting, sports buildings and an accessible tree top walkway that will offer a dramatic entry from Peats Ferry Road to the Old Mans Valley site. The existing Hornsby Park on Peats Ferry Road will become the entry way to the new Hornsby Park. The park site is located 800 metres from the train station and the proposal explores pathways and alternative transport solutions for accessing the quarry, including the possibility of e-bike hire and shuttle services into the park for equitable and universal access. Existing paths and stairs including the Heritage Steps will link the site to the Berowra Valley National Park.
Other aspects of the masterplan are the South-West Precinct which is identified as a site for potential educational bushland and eco-stay accommodation and adventure recreation in the long-term; and the old Crusher Plant which will recognise the heritage value of the quarry through preservation of the historical buildings on the site. The existing Hornsby Park on Peats Ferry Road will become the gateway to the new Hornsby Park.
Clouston Associates managing director Crosbie Lorimer said the intent of the park was to harness the drama and scale of the quarry while conserving and extending its bushland setting and history.
“The dramatic quarry walls and lake [will] take centre stage. We’ve maximised views and lookouts through carefully curated pathways and vistas, with visitor experiences ranging from adventure recreation to social spaces and quiet areas for connection with nature. It has required a careful balance of promise and reveal,” he said.
The Hornsby Quarry site is currently undergoing rehabilitation. In the meantime, Clouston will continue to develop the Hornsby Park masterplan into a detailed design, with the first stage of the park anticipated to open to the public in 2023.
The draft masterplan is open for feedback until 28 May 2021 – to view the document go here.