In July and August 2025, the Heritage Council of NSW invited public submissions on Woollahra Council’s proposal to build a Youth Recreation Area (Skate Park) in Rushcutters Bay Park listed on the State Heritage Register.

The idea has been under discussion for more than a decade. In 2012, Woollahra Municipal Council first proposed creating a dedicated recreation space for young people in the park. The current plan includes:

  • a junior scooter and skate facility, which is designed for beginner and intermediate level skaters and to cater for the 8-14 age group
  • mini basketball court
  • shade shelter
  • seats
  • rubbish bin
  • drinking fountain
  • landscaping.

Heritage Significance

Rushcutters Bay Park and neighbouring Yarranabbe Park were added to the State Heritage Register in 2020 for their historic, aesthetic and social values. The Heritage Council highlights several key attributes, including the following:

  • The influence of James Jones, Overseer for the Domains who laid out Victoria Park then Wentworth Park, incorporating sports ovals, greens and paths with lines or avenues of trees into the design, was innovative and reflected practice in England and France in the 1870s. (Historical significance)
  • Rushcutters Bay Park has historic and aesthetic significance as a large-scaled inner-harbour foreshore informally-landscaped park, providing dramatic views to and from the harbour and surrounds. (Aesthetic significance)
  • Rows of huge Moreton Bay figs form a mature and magnificent southern boundary to this bayside common and a distinctive entry into the Municipality of Woollahra along New South Head Road. (Aesthetic significance)
  • There are few other parks in NSW of such grand scale and engineering scope with large open spaces, still relatively intact and not compromised by major infill or other incursions. (Rare assessment)

NSW Heritage Council Approval

Because Rushcutters Bay Park is heritage listed, any works require approval under the Heritage Act 1977. In July 2025, Woollahra Council lodged a Section 60 application with the Heritage Council, accompanied by a Review of Environmental Factors and an Aboriginal Heritage Values assessment.

The Heritage Council subsequently opened the proposal for public comment, inviting submissions on the project’s heritage impacts during July and August 2025.

During this period, the Paddington Society made a submission recommending that Woollahra Council, in cooperation with the City of Sydney, considers other locations such as Centennial Park in order to protect the heritage value of Rushcutters Bay Park. 

The Heritage Council of NSW will advise Woollahra Municipal Council of the outcome.

Read the Paddington Society’s submission to the NSW Heritage Council. 

Read the Woollahra Council’s plans for the Youth Recreation area.