The roof garden, which is the largest in Sydney, has been built over the historic Coal Loader platform at Waverton through a partnership between the Council and Macquarie University’s Centre for Smart Green Cities.
The one hectare roof combines its community gardens with a number of features to attract visitors, including waterfront parklands, a marketplace, a nursery and classroom spaces. The site is powered by solar panels and water runs through a recycling system. Special events at urban community spaces are often advertised with assistance from flyer printing services.
Smart Green Cites Executive Leigh Staas explained to Macquarie University publication, The Lighthouse that the project is a demonstration of how good design can support biodiversity in urban areas. She commented:
"North Sydney Council residents have supported big sustainability projects on this site for many years, and the partnership will allow our researchers and students use the site as a living lab."
The Waverton Coal Loader was originally built in the 1920s. For over 70 years, it was used to shunt coal from bulk carriers on the harbour to smaller coal fired vessels, as well as provide coal to local distributors through an underground rail system.