Beneath the soaring steel arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where millions gather each year to admire one of the world’s most recognisable views, stands a contested patch of land at the centre of growing community frustration and a prolonged dispute over its management.
Bradfield Park South, a foreshore stretch in Kirribilli with uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and the harbour, should rank among Sydney’s most prized public spaces. Instead, residents say the reality is far less picturesque: churned soil, fencing and constant construction activity.
The source of frustration is a Transport for NSW compound set up on parts of the park as a temporary worksite to support maintenance of the 94-year-old Harbour Bridge.
While few residents contest the need to maintain the bridge, frustration has grown over what many see as an indefinite occupation of land meant to return to public use four years ago – concerns heightened by confirmation that the compound will remain in place until at least 2028.
Resident Michael Bracka noted the “jarring contrast” between the site and the well-maintained lawns of Dawes Point Reserve at the southern end of the bridge at The Rocks.
“It’s a complete waste of what should be an iconic piece of land that takes pride of place. Instead, we’ve got a work site,” he said.
Bracka said the uneven surface affects visitors, including wheelchair users and parents with prams, and poses safety risks for students of nearby St Aloysius College who use the park as play space during school hours.
The dispute is mired in a complex legal history dating back nearly a century. Bradfield Park South was granted to North Sydney Council in 1935 for public use, but sections were later resumed by the NSW government in 1987 to facilitate the construction of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
Community advocates argue that the 1987 lease expired in June 2022 and the land should have reverted to council control. Transport for NSW maintained that its use is both lawful and necessary.
The agency says it is also working with North Sydney Council to “improve the visual presentation” of the site while continuing essential maintenance.
Nicholas and Barbara Kougellis, who live opposite the park, said dust and soil whipped up by coastal gusts often blows into their home.
“On windy days we have to close all our doors and windows to stop all the sand and soot coming inside and coating all our furniture. It’s constant,” Nicholas said.
Barbara said continued use of the site had deprived the community of vital green space.
“They said the compound would be gone years ago, but it’s been extension after extension,” she said. “In the meantime, the community has lost the park we rely on.”
Urban policy experts say the situation reflects a broader challenge: balancing the need to maintain ageing infrastructure with demands for accessible public space in a growing city.
Eamon Waterford, chief executive of the Committee for Sydney, described Bradfield Park South as a missed opportunity.
Community groups have lodged complaints with the NSW Ombudsman and submitted freedom-of-information requests. A letter to Premier Chris Minns calls for a clear timeline, removal of the compound and independent soil testing.
For now, the park’s future remains uncertain – and for residents, the contrast with its iconic surroundings is hard to ignore.
“When you see the busloads of tourists coming to take in the phenomenal views, you almost feel ashamed to see the condition of the park they’re standing on,” Nicholas said. “You wouldn’t expect this under the Eiffel Tower, or in any other global city.”
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David Barwell is an urban affairs reporter for The Sydney Morning HeraldConnect via email.
