Public spaces

Public spaces are deeply integrated into the
fabric of our community and they inspire
connection, good health, relaxation and
learning.

People talking and socialising whilst sitting on a park bench under a tree.

Who we are

Public space means the diverse range of spaces that are owned by the public. Our public spaces take many forms including botanic gardens, parks, beaches and swimming coves, entertainment precincts and vibrant urban spaces. Our public space agencies look after incredible assets that are visited by millions of people every week:

Wide skyline view at Barangaroo Sydney.

Why we love public spaces

External view of White Bay Power Station building and surroundings.
More homes and infrastructure

More homes will bring more benefits to communities - more infrastructure, services, amenities and safe, high quality public spaces – like White Bay Power Station, Bays West Precinct and our new or improved foreshore. Well-designed public spaces are the life blood of any successful city or community. 

Pink hues of the sunset, reflecting on water at Sunset at Mount Annan Botanic Garden.
Inclusive gathering places

Public spaces are the inclusive gathering places where families, friends and communities can come together. They bring joy, vibrancy and meaning to our lives. They can also be the places where we go to get away from it all – the Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain in Sydney, Mount Annan or Mount Tomah are enjoyed by more than 11 million people each year. 

Blue laser light show with huge crowd at Symphony Under the Stars event.
Community festivals and events

Public spaces are the location for festivals, community events and family activities including Darling Harbour, Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park, Fernhill Estate, Callan Park and Western Sydney Parklands.

Image photographer: Wendell Teodoro

People partaking in Aboriginal traditional ceremony practice.
Connect us to Country

Public spaces connect us to Country, are good for the environment and support healthier lives. Accessible, safe public space encourages people to be more social and active. Time spent being active in public open spaces such as Barangaroo, Ballast Point Park and The Chinese Garden of Friendship can improve physical and mental health.

People socialising and dining in the outdoors sections of restaurants and bars at the Rocks Sydney.
Supports local businesses and economic prosperity

Public spaces are good for local businesses and are attractive to visitors, keeping them in our city longer or coming back more often. Signature public spaces like The Rocks can be the main reason people want to visit a city. Great streets have a direct relationship with economic prosperity. 

Children and parents playing and walking by the Darling Harbour playground.
Social resilience and sustainability

Our children and grandchildren should always have places to play. Public spaces are an irreplaceable asset that enables our community to grow, learn and come together, an investment in our social resilience and sustainability.
 

Importance of public spaces

Public space support everyday experiences, intergenerational connection, large community gatherings and environmental sustainability. Delivering more homes means enhancing public spaces. Public spaces create more opportunities between home, work or study to explore, relax, exercise and connect at the weekend.
 

People sitting down watching the sunset and Sydney Harbour views at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Explore public spaces

Explore some of the public places that people love.

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