The Harbour Trust announces the opening of a new foreshore park at Sub Base Platypus.
Following the opening of the rejuvenated Torpedo Factory Precinct at Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney, the Harbour Trust is proud to unveil Wirra Birra Park, which is now open to the public.. This marks another significant milestone since Sub Base Platypus was handed to the Harbour Trust to rehabilitate and revitalise the site into a fresh, new harbourside precinct for all to experience.
Known as the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, the former Royal Australian Navy Torpedo Maintenance Establishment (RANTME) building was partially demolished and revitalised as a sheltered public space. These works also revealed a sandstone bench, which Wirra Birra Park is now situated on. This new foreshore park provides visitors with a landscaped modern leisure space to enjoy native plants, seating and a glorious outlook overlooking Neutral Bay.
‘Wirra Birra’ is a First Nations name for Neutral Bay and means a forest of gum trees near running water. This name was chosen for the new park to respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the area, the Cammeraygal people. The Harbour Trust engaged with First Nations consultant Yerrabingin on the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, as well as an art commission by First Nations artist, Dennis Golding, to put caring for Country and connection to Country and First Nations culture at the centre of the design.
With the completion of the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, the Harbour Trust looks forward to attracting more visitors to Sub Base Platypus with regular events and activities. In addition to the fortnightly guided tours, the Harbour Trust is set to host its first Swap and Save event on Saturday, 20 April as part of Earth Day celebrations.
To register for SBP Swap and Save Event and to find out more:
About us:
ABOUT SUB BASE PLATYPUS
Formerly a torpedo factory, submarine base and gas works, Sub Base Platypus is a community recreation and work hub in North Sydney, homeland of the Cammeraygal people.
From 2016 to 2019, Sub Base Platypus underwent stage one of its transformation – seeing the site go from former naval base to recreational urban park and community space.
From 2022 to 2024, Sub Base Platypus underwent stage two of its transformation, known as the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project. This project comprises demolition of the harbour-facing portion of the former Torpedo Factory building to create a new foreshore park and public domain spaces that explore the site’s history.
When Sub Base Platypus was opened by the Harbour Trust in May 2018, it marked the first time the site had been accessible to the public in 150 years.
ABOUT THE HARBOUR TRUST
Located in First Nations Countries at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Trust’s visitor destinations are places of natural beauty. They also feature heritage structures and other significant remnants from the nation’s colonial, maritime and military narratives.
The Harbour Trust’s destinations include Cockatoo Island / Wareamah, North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney, and Headland Park in Mosman. They also protect Woolwich Dock and Parklands, Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse, and the Former Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove.
Through its management of these places, the Harbour Trust provides residents of – and visitors to – Australia’s largest city with access to precious bushland, parks, and open spaces. The Harbour Trust aims to deliver enhanced appreciation and understanding of the natural and cultural values of Sydney Harbour and its contribution to the national story, and world’s heritage for all visitors, through the remediation, conservation and adaptive reuse of, and access to, Harbour Trust lands on Sydney Harbour.
Contact details:
MEDIA ENQUIRIES AND IMAGES: Please contact Lily Pai at the Harbour Trust on 0477 268 919 or lily.pai@harbourtrust.gov.au
