Henley Precinct Masterplan

* Image designed and provided by DunnHillam Architecture and Urban Design.

Council has proceeded with the development of a Masterplan for the area and has consulted with key stakeholders about existing and future use of the precinct, as well as understanding needs to address issues of connectivity, accessibility, maintenance, and infrastructure.

The consideration of short, medium and long-term goals have been included in the Masterplan and will enable and support Council to apply for State and Federal Government grants. In addition, an implementation plan, which highlights the necessary steps to get projects described within the Masterplan to the construction and completion stage, have also been included.

The Masterplan was considered by Council at the 29 April Council Meeting and is now on public exhibition until Monday 3 June 2024. Following stakeholder feedback during the exhibition phase, the Masterplan will be considered by Council at the 24 June 2024 Council Meeting.

Background:

The Henley Precinct has catered for a range of community uses since the reserve’s dedication for public recreation in 1920. The area is important for many reasons:

• significant active recreation facilities, including; a main playing field, basketball court, skate park and playground
• significant passive recreation, including; walking, running, gardening, biking, and wildlife observation
• a variety of users, including; residents, non-residents, school students, pre-schoolers, community groups, commuters, etc
• a number of buildings, including the Henley Community Centre, Riverside Pre School and Henley Cottage, in addition to an amenities block and the home of the Happy Hens
• important assets including; carparks, footpaths, links to foreshore areas through the bushland and the ferry wharf.

The update to the Henley Precinct Plan of Management (PoM) in 2021-2022 enabled Council to understand the needs of all of the users of the area. However, the issues relating to the State Government grant for the upgrade to Gladesville Reserve highlighted the importance of developing a masterplan and mapping out future community priorities in conjunction with all of the users of the Precinct.