Zetland Archives - Kensington News

Vulnerable Residents Worry About Parking Space Loss Amid Developments at Green Square

Green Square, located some two kilometres away from Kensington, is undertaking a significant development which could see the Zetland area evolve into a progressive precinct but vulnerable residents are concerned about a potential loss of parking spaces, especially on Portman Street.

The City of Sydney Council’s plans to develop a cycleway at the Green Square precinct to encourage biking as a healthier means of transport. Whilst this may reduce the number of cars and decongest the roads, the older population living in the tree-lined terrace homes on Portman Street said they will be most affected by the plan.

If some 90 street parking spots are replaced by cycleways, elderly and vulnerable residents will have a harder time leaving their houses. Since they cannot use bikes, they will still need cars to get around. With less available parking slots, they will be forced to park their cars in other areas and walk back home. Many of these residents cannot manage a long walk home, particularly if they have to carry bags of groceries on foot.

Parking will also become a problem for elderly residents who rely on grocery deliveries and similar services as there will be more competition for other parking spots off Portman Street. Additionally, the development of residential buildings in Green Square could drive the older population out of this Zetland section.

A spokesperson for the Council said that parking concerns are under review as the upgrades to Portman Street continue. The development will also cover Sonny Leonard Street, Geddes Avenue and Zetland Avenue.

Work on this precinct promises to deliver:

better footpaths and new cycleways
new street furniture, smart poles and plants
three signalised intersections on Zetland Avenue
one signalised intersection at Geddes Avenue and Portman Street
changes to parking on Portman Street
underground electrical lines

The project started in September 2020 and will be completed in 18 months.

Zetland Street Furniture to be Overhauled After 20 Years

Bus shelters with street furniture and other public facilities such as the toilets and kiosks around Zetland Street will get its first major overhaul from the City of Sydney Council in 20 years.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed that the project will start in July 2021, after initially discussing the changes in 2017. The overhaul will begin with Sydney CBD and also include other inner eastern suburbs like Glebe and Paddington.

QMS won the contract to replace the old street furnishing in June 2020. The outdoor media company would also be tasked to maintain these street features until 2030.

Mr Moore said that the overhaul could bring “significant revenue” as the outdoor furnishing also doubles as advertisements. However, the ads may be temporarily suspended whilst the refurbishments are underway.

JCDecaux built and installed Sydney’s current outdoor furnishing two decades ago and offered to sell the assets to the Council when it lost the contract to QMS. The Council refused the sale thus JCDecaux will demolish the existing facilities for recycling.

“Our 20-year contract with JCDecaux has expired, and we have recently negotiated a new long-term contract that provides more income to the City and a renewal of our street furniture,” Ms Moore said.

“To put it simply, that price was too high and did not reflect the age and limited remaining life of the infrastructure. Given the new contract provides furniture that is being built to current standards and requirements at no cost to our ratepayers, we declined.

“JCDecaux is required to recycle or reuse the old furniture wherever possible under their own Sustainability Plan, so I’m hopeful their furniture will find new use or be appropriately disposed of.

“Our new street furniture has been designed using the City’s sustainability guidelines – it will modernise our streets while providing revenue to help maintain our high quality services and public spaces and low rates.”

Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre: Sydney’s Largest Pool Complex Opens

The long-awaited opening of Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the largest pool complex in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics, is finally here! Located three kilometres off Kensington at the Green Square area in Zetland, the new facility has been over three years in the making and it’s now ready for avid swimmers, health and fitness buffs, and families to enjoy.

Whilst Sydney has heaps of pools and the best beaches in the world, Gunyama Park is still a welcome addition for its accessibility and sustainability.

The aquatic park is near the train station, as well as the cycleways and bus stop at Green Square. On the other hand, the design of the building features an innovative energy co-generation system, using solar panels, that provides a cheaper alternative for heat and power.

Designed for both function and beauty, this leisure site does not just boast of a 50-metre heated outdoor pool. Visitors to Gunyama Park can also expect to enjoy and appreciate the following facilities:

25m heated indoor program pool for swimming lessons
Indoor leisure pool with a range of interactive toys, including water spraying devices and tipping buckets
Heated hydrotherapy pool
Health and fitness centre and covered outdoor yoga deck
A crèche with indoor and outdoor play areas
A full-size outdoor synthetic multipurpose sports playfield
A fully equipped gymnasium and outdoor training circuit
An outdoor playground and boardwalk
Plants and landscaping inspired by the area’s Indigenous heritage
Bangala, a new public artwork by Aunty Julie Freeman (Eora/Yuin) with Jonathan Jones (Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi)

“Not just for fitness fanatics, this is a place for all people to enjoy the centre in different ways – even if it’s simply reading the paper in the sun and enjoying the occasional dip,” Andrew Burges of Andrew Burges Architects said. His team collaborated with Grimshaw and TCL and CPB Contractors to complete this massive aquatic park.

Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is open for a 360 membership. To learn more, including its operating hours, visit the official site.

“Super excited that this place has finally opened up! Excellent facilities! From the sports field, circuit, pools, spa, kids areas, cafe and the gym upstairs – simply superb. Looking forward to many days spent here. Parking may not be the easiest around here though. It’s all metered for 2 hours from 8am-10pm. Although, there’s plenty of buses around and a short 5min walk from Green Square station.”
Hayley Espanol

“A much needed and spectacular new addition to the neighborhood. 2 x pools, a kids splash zone, hydrotherapy pool, gym and full size sports field. Plus a great cafe.”
Steven Guy

“Beautiful new aquatic leisure center. Great facilities and plenty of fun activities for kids. Very limited 2 hour ticket parking. Best accessed by public transport, bicycle or walking”
Trevor Lawrie