Bedes Forest expansion and improvements

This project forms part of Council's Open Space Acquisition Program, which has been converting acquired land into new public parkland since 2010. Council has purchased properties at 56, 58 and 60 Stanley Street over the past decade and these will be redeveloped to nearly double the size of Bedes Forest.

The new park will give the area more open space and recreational facilities, meeting the needs of the growing number of young families locally as well as the broader community. It follows the 'Play & Explore' concept developed in consultation with the community.

Concept plan

The concept plan below shows the layout of the new park, including the location of each of the features.

Bedes-Forest-expansion-final-concept-plan

Download concept plan(PDF, 3MB)

The concept for the new park was shaped through three phases of community engagement carried out between 2022 and late 2023. Following this engagement, Council worked with a specialist design consultant from 2024 into mid-2025 to further develop the concept, including detailed design of the basketball court, amenities building, accessible car park and raingarden.

During this time, Council also carried out site investigations covering trees, drainage and contamination to inform the design and construction approach.

What's being built

As shown in the concept plan (Figure 1), the new park will include:

  • Playgrounds and nature play areas, with outdoor fitness equipment.
  • Improved accessibility for users of all ages and abilities.
  • New amenities block.
  • Picnic shelter with barbecue facilities.
  • Community garden.
  • Basketball half-court.
  • Park furniture, including picnic facilities and landscaping features.
  • Accessible car parking.
  • Pathways and associated site works.

Timing

Council has awarded the project to a contractor, with construction due to start on site in early to mid-September 2026.

Potential impacts during construction

As with any construction project, nearby residents may notice some short-term impacts while works are underway, including:

  • Construction noise during working hours.
  • Temporary footpath closures or detours around the site.
  • Tree removal in the areas identified by Council's external project arborist.
  • Increased site traffic, including deliveries and construction vehicles, in streets around the park.

Council and its contractor will work to keep disruption to a minimum

Tree removal and replanting

Council has engaged an independent project arborist to assess the health and condition of trees in and around Bedes Forest. Only trees and shrubs assessed as not having a high retention value will be removed to make way for the project. Council has plans in place to offset removed native trees, including the adjoining verges, by planting species characteristic of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest.

Keeping you informed

Council will provide regular updates on the project website as works progress.

More information

If you have any questions about the project, please contact Pip Grant, Project Manager at pgrant@krg.nsw.gov.au.

Thank you for your patience while we deliver this improved open space for the community.

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