Much of the 32 ha of land that makes up the Warrawong Parklands is vacant, like this strip along King St. Photo: Region.
Illawarra residents have been asked for their ideas for the future of 32 hectares of waterfront land at Warrawong.
Known as Warrawong Parklands, the area fronts Lake Illawarra along King Street and includes Kully Bay Park to its boundary with the Illawarra Yacht Club on Northcliffe Drive.
The NSW Government pledged $2 million in its June budget to create a master plan for the site including parklands, recreation, culture, arts and heritage, tourism and entertainment facilities for open public space use.
Wollongong MP and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the area was set to become one of the state’s great public spaces.
“We want to hear people’s ideas and views on how this area should be shaped for future generations,” Mr Scully said.
Residents have already started submitting their suggestions for the area, including a boardwalk along the water with arcade rides, cafes and shops, a public lap pool, a manmade beach, an equipment hire outlet for lake activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, and dedicated fishing spots.
The master plan will guide future land uses across the sprawling waterfront site and include a delivery framework and clear vision for the park’s future.
It will also look at new commercial and recreational opportunities for the adjoining Kully Bay Park and Kully Bay Sports Complex.
The parcel of land stretches from Shellharbour Road along King Street and down Northcliffe Drive. Photo: NSW Government.
The government believes Warrawong is ideally situated to benefit from a major public open-space improvement.
The previous government angered the community when, a decade ago, it considered using the land for residential development, a community centre, commercial or retail sites, or wetlands and open space.
In 2022, the government declared the strip of land along King Street as “surplus to requirements” and called for businesses, not-for-profits and community members to identify potential future uses for the site.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will host pop-up sessions at local schools and shopping centres in late November and early December for residents to provide feedback.
- Thursday, 28 November, 3 – 7 pm: Stockland Shellharbour Shopping Centre, level 1 (opposite City Beach)
- Friday, 29 November, 11 am – 3 pm: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong
- Tuesday, 3 December, 10 am – 2 pm: Illawarra Yacht Club, Warrawong
- Thursday, 5 December, 3 – 7 pm: Warrawong Plaza, lower level, opposite playground (near food court).
Residents can also have their say through an online survey, which is open until 13 December.
Community ideas and comments will be included in a draft master plan, which will be exhibited in 2025 for further feedback.
The final master plan is expected to be delivered in June 2025.
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