One of Sydney's Inner City Car Parks Is Getting a Rooftop Community Garden

The Kings Cross Community Garden Group will build a new 250-square-metre garden on the rooftop of Kings Cross Car Park.
Jasmine Crittenden
May 27, 2018

The majority of people in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay live in apartments — 98 percent, in fact — which means the Sydney suburbs are among the most densely populated spots in Australia. It also means that getting access to green spaces and a sense of community can be difficult.

With this in mind, the Kings Cross Community Garden Group is about to start work on a brand new community garden, which will occupy 250 square metres in Lawrence Hargrave Reserve — on the rooftop of Kings Cross Car Park, to be specific. Plans include raised beds for veggies and herbs, worm farms, a tool shed and, for anyone who needs to take five, seats. Maximising the garden's eco-friendliness will be compost bins and a green waste recycling system.

"We see it becoming a community hub, reducing social isolation and bringing residents of all ages and backgrounds together to share an interest in organic gardening," said Terry Chesher, a founding member of the group. "We've learnt that many of the residents are frustrated gardeners, keen to get their hands dirty."

The site hovers about eight storeys above the street because the car park is built into a hill. "The garden will integrate with the reserve by visually connecting to the street and masking the car park vent, while still providing space for other park users," said Edwina Morris, landscape architect.

The initiative has been approved by City of Sydney under its community garden program, which has seen the formation of 21 green spaces since 2009. The opening is planned for late 2018.

Published on May 27, 2018 by Jasmine Crittenden
Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x