Adjacent to large playing fields, a playground and café, the Darley Road cycle way connects the surrounding regional cycling networks, encouraging mid-week active travel and providing a safe place for families to cycle, run and dog walk on the weekend.
At a glance
Adjacent to large playing fields, a playground and café, the Darley Road cycle way connects the surrounding regional cycling networks, encouraging mid-week active travel and providing a safe place for families to cycle, run and dog walk on the weekend.
The challenge
The design delivers a safe and accessible cycleway route as it engages with the high traffic and complex intersections of Darley Road, while balancing the community's needs with the preservation of the area's natural and historical features.
Our response
Within the context of the Queens Park Master Plan and located on the boundary of the Waverley and Randwick local government areas, our design team considered multiple stakeholders’ requirements for the for Darley Road cycleway. We guided the project stakeholders through an integrated design process to develop a solution and we created a new pedestrian and cycle path along the existing road corridor to meet all their needs.
By linking the paths directly to the park’s recreational areas, it is easier for residents to transition from commuting to enjoying leisure activities. Local schools now have safer routes for students to reach sports fields and families can combine outdoor play with a visit to the café.
This integration transforms Queens Park into a true community hub, attracting people to enjoy its natural beauty and amenities. Whether meeting for coffee, children playing or athletes using the fields, the upgraded pathways enhance the park’s appeal and foster a sense of community.
Sustainability was central to our design. We used innovative techniques to minimise the impact on mature trees and improve green infrastructure. Effective stormwater management and accessible ramps allow everyone, including those with mobility challenges, to benefit from the space.
Thoughtfully designed rest areas, shaded spots and low-maintenance landscaping invite visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The restoration of heritage elements and the addition of new planting blend the pathway harmoniously into its environment, creating a space that is both functional and beautiful.
The impact
The Queens Park pedestrian and cycle path is more than a transportation project, it’s a place that brings people together, celebrates nature and strengthens the social fabric of the community. It’s a safe, scenic route that encourages active lifestyles and enhances connectivity from the eastern suburbs to Sydney’s CBD.
The Queens Park pedestrian cycle path project is not only a great asset for the local community but plays its part in a broader cultural shift towards more sustainable and community focused practices. Through enhanced connectivity, environmental and economic benefits, social cohesion and improved safety, this project helps foster a more resilient mindset and adaptive behaviours within the community.
Callum Bryan-Mathieson, Assistant Director Landscape Architecture, GHD Design
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