Artist Impression by Gallagher Studio
Liverpool City Council has submitted a Development Application (DA) to upgrade Light Horse Park, located at 4 Riverpark Drive, Liverpool. Lodged in October 2024, the proposal outlines a transformative first stage in the park’s redevelopment. As part of its broader vision for community spaces, Liverpool City Council is investing over $35 million in upgrades to the park, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive community hub along the Georges River.
Proposed Enhancements at Light Horse Park
Stage 1 of the project introduces a variety of improvements designed to enhance the park’s accessibility, usability, and appeal. These include:
- Demolition and Remediation: Site preparation will involve clearing old structures, bulk earthworks, and remediation of contaminated land.
- Recreational Amenities: A new playground under Light Horse Bridge will feature swings, trampolines, and water play areas, catering to children of all ages.
- Fitness Stations: Two fitness zones will provide equipment for users of varying abilities and fitness levels.
- Heritage Relocations: The Light Horse Memorial and Steam Boiler will be moved to locations that better reflect their historical significance.
- Pathways and Accessibility: A new network of pathways, including “Light Horse Way” and “River Walk,” will enhance access from the town centre and surrounding areas.
- Landscaping: Endemic plants and trees will improve the park’s ecological health and provide much-needed shade for visitors.
These upgrades will turn Light Horse Park into a multi-functional community hub, with spaces for active play, quiet reflection, and family gatherings.
Artist Impression by Gallagher Studio
A Focus on Heritage and History
As a designated heritage item, Light Horse Park holds deep historical significance for the local community. To honor this, the project team has planned sensitive relocations of key heritage elements. The Light Horse Memorial, for instance, will be moved closer to its historic alignment with the original 1894 bridge that Light Horse Soldiers once used to cross the Georges River. Meanwhile, the Steam Boiler will be repositioned near the bridge it helped construct in the 1950s.
A Heritage Impact Statement, prepared by Curio Projects, confirms that these relocations will enhance the interpretative value of the items while preserving their fabric and historical importance.
Environmental Enhancements and Protection
The upgrades are designed to improve not only the park’s functionality but also its ecological health. According to an ecological assessment by Niche Environmental and Heritage, the project will include riparian planting along the riverbank, which will stabilize the soil and improve biodiversity. Although some existing vegetation will be removed, it will be replaced with endemic native species that better support the local ecosystem.
To minimize environmental impact, the plan includes erosion and sediment control measures, as well as long-term maintenance of new plantings. These efforts will ensure the park remains a thriving natural space for years to come.
Managing Flood and Contamination Risks
Given the park’s location within the Georges River floodplain, flood management has been a key consideration. A study by GRC Hydro confirms that proposed works, including minor site raising, will not significantly alter flood behavior or levels. The project will adhere to all relevant flood planning controls to ensure safety for park users.
In addition, the site’s history as a landfill required comprehensive contamination assessments. Arcadis prepared a Remediation Action Plan, which outlines measures to address risks, including the safe handling of asbestos and other waste materials. The remediation process will ensure the site is safe for public use.
Collaboration Behind the Vision
The redevelopment of Light Horse Park is the result of collaboration among several expert teams:
- Developer: Liverpool City Council
- Urban Planner: Mecone Group Pty Limited
- Landscape Architects: Gallagher Studio
- Heritage Consultant: Curio Projects
- Ecological and Arborist Services: Niche Environmental and Heritage; Naturally Trees
- Flood and Geotechnical Assessments: GRC Hydro; Douglas Partners
- Contamination and Remediation: Arcadis
- Waste Management: Waste Audit.
For more information, search the application number DA-540/2024 on Liverpool City Council’s website.
