Paddington Greenway Project Ditched Despite $300K Already Spent

The Paddington Greenway project, which involves the construction of a 2.2-kilometre pedestrian and cycle path across White City, has been ditched and abandoned due to security concerns, despite an initial expense of $300,000 already poured into the endeavour.

A majority vote to drop the green link plan was carried through Woollahra Council following concerns about a security risk raised by the community. Apparently, the route proposed for Paddington Greenway will give the public access to the Sydney Grammar school grounds. The school wrote Council a letter citing concerns about the unnecessary risk to child safety.

Richard Malpass, the headmaster of Sydney Grammar, attempted to find a middle ground with Council whilst ensuring that the safety of the children won’t be compromised. An alternate route was not approved as it did not align with the elevated pathway’s vision.

Residents on Walker Street were also concerned that the greenway would give people a glimpse of their yards.

Sadly, the original vision for the Greenway was too compromised by the alternative design. If adjoining neighbours, @Sydney_Grammar and the Hakoah Club had agreed to acquisition of a sliver of their land, the Greenway could have progressed (and justified further public funding). https://t.co/wg0PdNlL3d
— Harriet Price (@PriceHarriet) March 12, 2023

The Paddington Greenway project was conceptualized by residents who lacked public access along the White City tennis centre. As the site was due for redevelopment, the community came up with a plan in 2020 for the pedestrian and cycle path, which was eventually endorsed by Woollahra Council and the City of Sydney.

However, Cities and Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes expressed disappointment over the decision to abandon the plans that would have brought long-term benefits, especially to the children.

“One of the biggest dangers to our children is the increasingly sedentary lifestyles they’re living, and any measure to encourage them to move around will have tremendous long-term benefits,” he said.

Published 22 March 2023