Hodgson Lookout Landscape Upgrade

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Consultation has concluded

UPDATE OCTOBER 2021 - Works Complete

Recently completed landscape upgrade works at Hodgson Lookout aim to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors. The upgrade of the lookout provided an opportunity to remediate areas of wear and erosion, overgrown gardens and weed infestation. It addressed several safety concerns around steep slopes, improved circulation and accessibility to ensure all North Sydney locals and visitors can safely enjoy Hodgsons Lookout.

UPDATE 27 JANUARY 2021 - Engagement outcomes

Submissions closed 10 December 2020

In November 2020, Council invited the community to provide feedback in relation to a proposal for the landscape upgrade of the Hodgson Lookout area.

The proposal included installation of low sandstone walls and edging, adjustments to existing footpaths, stairs and entry points, removal of weed species, replacement of old park furniture and signage.

Twenty six submissions were received stating their preferred option. The majority of submissions (61.5%) expressed support for the Option 2 landscape upgrade.

All submissions generally expressed support for the proposed landscape upgrade. During the consultation community members were invited to provide feedback on four subjects including:

  1. Upgraded footpath and staircases
  2. New planting and the removal of weeds
  3. Upgraded and repositioned park furniture
  4. General feedback.

Summary of submissions is available in the Document Library.

Based on the results of the consultation, Council will proceed with the implementation of the Option 2 landscape upgrade.

In order to address the concerns and identified issues, changes to the final design will include removal of weeds, overgrown vegetation and replacement planting in an area below the existing playground, sympathetic use of sandstone for stair, retaining and paving, erosion management, improvements and closure of existing pedestrian link behind 192B Kurraba Road, adjustment of furniture location, use of exotic plant species for replacement planting in the picturesque entry garden area and trimming of existing Oleander sp.

Council will proceed to the quotation stage and implementation of works.

BACKGROUND

The Hodgson Lookout Landscape Improvements project originated as a Council resolution and is funded in the 2020/21 Operational Plan & Budget.

The objectives of the proposed landscape improvement include:

  • upgrade stairs and footpaths to improve access and circulation around the park,
  • reposition existing seating and replace the old and mismatched park furniture,
  • provide new planting and remove weed infested areas,
  • ensure Hodgson Lookout meets the community’s recreational needs.

Council prepared two concepts (Options 1 and 2) to enhance the landscape of Hodgson Lookout.

The aim of the proposed upgrade is to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors.

Hodgsons Lookout Park is perched on a steep hill overlooking the harbour. It offers spectacular views, an engaging playground and heritage stonework. The proposed upgrades aim to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors.

The heritage style of stonework at Hodgsons Lookout combined with steep areas of bushland, give the park its charming character. For this reason, the existing sandstone walls, stairs and entryway should be retained and incorporated into any proposed works. Weed removal and bush regeneration should take place to maintain the park’s appearance as well as increasing habitat for native fauna and improving park ecology.

Due to the steep incline of Hodgsons Lookout Park, erosion can occur and maintenance can be unsafe. Bush regeneration will require less maintenance and plant roots will bind the soil together, minimising the risk of erosion.

Wear zones will also need to be addressed surrounding the various desire lines throughout the park. The Park is enjoyed by a variety of different users and the upgrades will need to address a wide range of requirements. Accessibility to existing stairways should be improved and a variety of seating types and locations should be considered for multiple user groups. Care should be taken to ensure the usable open space is level and unimpeded to retain its functionality.

Harbour views and sunlight should be maximised and community involvement in revegetation works needs to be maintained and encouraged. A clear link to Kurraba Reserve should be established to ensure visitors have the opportunity to experience both parks.

For further information call Alicja Batorowicz, Council's Landscape Projects Coordinator on 9936 8100.

Note: Submissions are considered open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. In the interests of public transparency, submission in its entirety may be made available via Council’s website. Submitters are encouraged to read Council’s Information Sheet: Making a Submission to Council prior to making a submission. All feedback received will be considered, however it is not intended to reply to individual respondents.


UPDATE OCTOBER 2021 - Works Complete

Recently completed landscape upgrade works at Hodgson Lookout aim to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors. The upgrade of the lookout provided an opportunity to remediate areas of wear and erosion, overgrown gardens and weed infestation. It addressed several safety concerns around steep slopes, improved circulation and accessibility to ensure all North Sydney locals and visitors can safely enjoy Hodgsons Lookout.

UPDATE 27 JANUARY 2021 - Engagement outcomes

Submissions closed 10 December 2020

In November 2020, Council invited the community to provide feedback in relation to a proposal for the landscape upgrade of the Hodgson Lookout area.

The proposal included installation of low sandstone walls and edging, adjustments to existing footpaths, stairs and entry points, removal of weed species, replacement of old park furniture and signage.

Twenty six submissions were received stating their preferred option. The majority of submissions (61.5%) expressed support for the Option 2 landscape upgrade.

All submissions generally expressed support for the proposed landscape upgrade. During the consultation community members were invited to provide feedback on four subjects including:

  1. Upgraded footpath and staircases
  2. New planting and the removal of weeds
  3. Upgraded and repositioned park furniture
  4. General feedback.

Summary of submissions is available in the Document Library.

Based on the results of the consultation, Council will proceed with the implementation of the Option 2 landscape upgrade.

In order to address the concerns and identified issues, changes to the final design will include removal of weeds, overgrown vegetation and replacement planting in an area below the existing playground, sympathetic use of sandstone for stair, retaining and paving, erosion management, improvements and closure of existing pedestrian link behind 192B Kurraba Road, adjustment of furniture location, use of exotic plant species for replacement planting in the picturesque entry garden area and trimming of existing Oleander sp.

Council will proceed to the quotation stage and implementation of works.

BACKGROUND

The Hodgson Lookout Landscape Improvements project originated as a Council resolution and is funded in the 2020/21 Operational Plan & Budget.

The objectives of the proposed landscape improvement include:

  • upgrade stairs and footpaths to improve access and circulation around the park,
  • reposition existing seating and replace the old and mismatched park furniture,
  • provide new planting and remove weed infested areas,
  • ensure Hodgson Lookout meets the community’s recreational needs.

Council prepared two concepts (Options 1 and 2) to enhance the landscape of Hodgson Lookout.

The aim of the proposed upgrade is to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors.

Hodgsons Lookout Park is perched on a steep hill overlooking the harbour. It offers spectacular views, an engaging playground and heritage stonework. The proposed upgrades aim to maintain the unique character of the park, minimise park maintenance, improve habitat and maximise the usability of the park for a range of visitors.

The heritage style of stonework at Hodgsons Lookout combined with steep areas of bushland, give the park its charming character. For this reason, the existing sandstone walls, stairs and entryway should be retained and incorporated into any proposed works. Weed removal and bush regeneration should take place to maintain the park’s appearance as well as increasing habitat for native fauna and improving park ecology.

Due to the steep incline of Hodgsons Lookout Park, erosion can occur and maintenance can be unsafe. Bush regeneration will require less maintenance and plant roots will bind the soil together, minimising the risk of erosion.

Wear zones will also need to be addressed surrounding the various desire lines throughout the park. The Park is enjoyed by a variety of different users and the upgrades will need to address a wide range of requirements. Accessibility to existing stairways should be improved and a variety of seating types and locations should be considered for multiple user groups. Care should be taken to ensure the usable open space is level and unimpeded to retain its functionality.

Harbour views and sunlight should be maximised and community involvement in revegetation works needs to be maintained and encouraged. A clear link to Kurraba Reserve should be established to ensure visitors have the opportunity to experience both parks.

For further information call Alicja Batorowicz, Council's Landscape Projects Coordinator on 9936 8100.

Note: Submissions are considered open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. In the interests of public transparency, submission in its entirety may be made available via Council’s website. Submitters are encouraged to read Council’s Information Sheet: Making a Submission to Council prior to making a submission. All feedback received will be considered, however it is not intended to reply to individual respondents.