CONCEPT PROPOSAL

The Concept

This Business Plan defines the concept to establish a shared facility in Parsley Bay to support recreational waterway users, Brooklyn and river communities.

The facility includes a purpose-designed building and services in the area of the existing amenities at Parsley Bay, and a passive-craft launch and retrieval stage within the harbour.

It provides an improved setting and precinct amenity, and represents a unique opportunity to activate Parsley Bay as part of Brooklyn Township.

The facility incorporates:

❖ A unique building and services, sympathetic to its surroundings, utilising contemporary and sustainable architectural and operating principles, a living building (note1) , to provide a base for recreational water users and a facility for community activities and events.

❖ Storage areas for watercraft and associated equipment, with modern amenities

❖ Passive craft rigging and launch/retrieval stage within the harbour area

❖ A hub for members and the lower Hawkesbury community, to participate in community activities and events.

❖ A learning centre engaging young people to connect with the river and its ecosystems, the natural environment, the indigenous heritage and the river landscape.

❖ Kiosk facilities to service the broad range of boating and recreational visitors to the precinct and to help finance sustainable operation and asset management.

The facility will follow some key operating principles:

❖ Holistic design and construction to enable economically and environmentally sustainable use and operation

❖ A collaborative enterprise which harnesses and leverages groups across the community in support of improved connectivity and community outcomes.

❖ A strong physical and mental health focus – as part of its ongoing business model to ensure children and young people are engaged and motivated to actively participate and learn about watercraft and sports, developing lifetime friendships within the community and beyond.

❖ Regard and respect for the natural features and amenity of the surrounds, considering and mitigating impacts on nearby dwellings and public spaces, and enhancing the local and visitor experience in the Parsley Bay precinct

 

Realisation

LHARA, the Lower Hawkesbury Aquatic and Recreation Association was established in 2019 to progress the concept of the Parsley Bay Recreation and Community Centre, comprising project sponsors Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Sailing, Hawkesbury River Sailing, Hawkesbury River Yacht, and Hawkesbury Dragons, together with the Brooklyn Community Association (BCA), and the Brooklyn Community Hall Project Committee.

 

Core Functions

Ground Floor: aquatic club operations and recreational waterway usage including storage, and launch and retrieval areas, kiosk-style outlet for food and refreshments, and incorporating existing Council-owned public toilets.

First floor: a general purpose community hall and learning centre for members, local community and visiting groups. The space would support aquatic club and community group activities and events, with potential for low intensity uses such exercise classes, scouts, school groups including children and young people with disability.

  • A multi-purpose venue with kitchen and servery, and a flexible floor plan to suit events seating up to 150 people, or a range of smaller group activities.

  • Spacious covered decks to capitalise on northerly aspect and river views to the east over Parsley Bay.

  • Amenities areas, with change rooms, toilets, and showers.

Further Development

A Steering Committee comprising representatives from the LHARA Sponsors, Hornsby Council, and other stakeholders, will be established to:

  • Further develop the concept and design

  • Establish a sustainable management and governance framework

  • Liaise with Government & the wider community, including other community groups

  • Source funding and development approvals

(Note 1)  Living Buildings

Living Buildings have design elements that fulfil the living building philosophy:

  • Healthy for all elements of life

  • Nurturing and generous places that promote healthy lifestyles for everyone.

  • Net Positive with respect to water and energy. Living Communities generate their own energy and capture and treat all the water they need.

  • Designed using multipurpose elements. Nothing has only a single purpose; everything has multiple benefits to the community and environment

  • Regenerative spaces for people and natural ecosystems

  • Places that are walkable, bike-able, and have affordable public transport.