Following extensive community and stakeholder engagement, Hornsby Shire Council last night formally adopted a revised draft Master Plan and the draft Plan of Management for its Westleigh Park project, a major new parkland to be developed in Westleigh.
Formerly owned by Sydney Water, the site for the new Westleigh Park comprises around 36 hectares of cleared open space and bushland. The redevelopment will create a major parkland with spaces for play and sporting activities, and a choice of ‘unstructured recreation experiences’ including mountain biking, walking and cycling, while conserving important bushland areas.
The draft Master Plan was first exhibited in 2021. Following additional engagement, Council endorsed a revised draft Master Plan for the site and a draft Plan of Management. These were exhibited through March and April 2023 and a significant number of submissions were received, demonstrating strong community interest in the park.
Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock AO said that this outcome was a major step forward in advancing Council’s vision for Westleigh Park.
“We are pleased to take this significant step forward with the Westleigh Park project. After years of careful consideration, the adopted Master Plan and Plan of Management detail how we will provide an outstanding recreational experience for the community at Westleigh while ensuring the long-term protection of the previous bushland,” said Mayor Ruddock.
“We have worked hard to engage extensively with the community and thank everyone who has contributed. All the community’s views are important to us, and this Master Plan and Plan of Management will now support the preparation of a Development Application (DA) on the site which will be assessed by an independent body,” Mayor Ruddock said.
Council will continue to prepare the DA for Westleigh Park; it is anticipated it will be lodged by the end of 2023. To view the adopted Master Plan and Plan of Management visit hornsby. nsw.gov.au/westleighpark
