Platypus could be site to new swimming, kayak zones

10 July 2023

The rehabilitated site at SubBase Platypus could play host to a harbourside swimming area and a kayak pontoon under plans being canvassed by the Sydney Harbour Trust.

A letter to North Sydney Council mayor Zoe Baker from the Trust canvasses a number of plans and options for the site as works at the former Torpedo Factory later this year.

Trust executive director Janet Carding said: “We would be happy to explore the potential for a harbour swimming area through a jointly commissioned study in collaboration with Council to assess feasibility and water quality at the site. This study would not commence until after completion of the current program of building works, for obvious reasons. Further discussions would also need to be held with the relevant authority, Transport for NSW, for any water access.”

Carding also wrote: “In late 2022, the Harbour Trust made an application under the NSW Government’s Better Boating Now program for the construction of a kayak pontoon at Sub Base Platypus. We have been advised by the administrators of the funding program that applications will be determined following confirmation of the 2023/2024 NSW Budget. We are hopeful our application will be successful.”

Definitely on the way is a “major First Nations art commission,” an interpretation walkway and entry plaza with heritage objects and historic images honouring the workers and previous uses and a new public tour offering for members of the public to book, and under the guidance of Harbour Trust guides, walk the site and understand some of the many historical stories.

Carding admitted that capital works are behind the originally intended schedule, due to issues that have been “beyond our control such as latent site conditions and the inclement weather conditions during the recent La Niña event.”

“Our vision for Sub Base Platypus is a place that will preserve and honour the stories of the past and have a new purpose with the provision of contemporary community uses and activations, alongside a range of sympathetic business uses.”