What should the Sydney Harbour Bridge look like on its 100th birthday?

A world-class civic landscape — or a work depot?

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s great landmarks. Does Australia really want to showcase it in 2032 with a work depot at its feet?

Dr J.J.C. Bradfield’s vision was about far more than the engineering achievement of the Bridge. Its architectural and aesthetic setting was integral to that vision, including the sweeping northern approaches and parklands descending towards the harbour foreshore.

Bradfield Park South is not simply parkland beneath the Bridge. It is part of the Bridge’s iconic setting, a showcase for one of the world’s great engineering achievements.

Yet today, this nationally significant foreshore landscape is degraded and being used as a Transport work compound.

We have just 5½ years until the Bridge’s centenary. That is enough time to restore Bradfield Park South and create the magnificent civic landscape that this extraordinary place deserves — if action begins now.

Premier Minns, this is a moment for leadership.

Let the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s 100th birthday be remembered not for a work depot beneath its northern pylons, but for the restoration of Bradfield’s vision: a world-class parkland setting worthy of one of Australia’s greatest icons.