A Grassroots Vision Realised – Inner West GreenWay Opens in Sydney

Location: Sydney, Australia
Sector: Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Sustainability
Project: Inner West GreenWay
Lead Designer: ASPECT Studios
Delivery Team: Gartner Rose Pty Ltd
Landscape Contractor: Glascott

The official opening of the Inner West GreenWay marks a significant milestone in Sydney’s urban evolution. What began as a grassroots community vision over 20 years ago has now materialised into a continuous environmental and cultural corridor, linking neighbourhoods while promoting active transport, biodiversity, and inclusive public space.

Urban Context and Design Approach

Delivered by ASPECT Studios as part of the Gartner Rose Pty Ltd team, the GreenWay navigates a highly constrained urban environment along the Inner West Light Rail corridor. The project prioritises connectivity across fragmented precincts, transforming underutilised infrastructure into a cohesive, people-focused landscape embedded within the city’s fabric.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

A key technical achievement of the project was the construction of three major tunnels beneath live roads, enabling uninterrupted pedestrian and cyclist movement. These interventions ensure safe, continuous travel while maintaining existing traffic flows—demonstrating how complex infrastructure challenges can be resolved through integrated urban design.

Regenerative Landscape and Public Realm

Regenerative design strategies sit at the core of the GreenWay. Works included creek restoration, the creation of new wetlands, and targeted biodiversity initiatives. Johnson’s Park and Hercules Parklands were fully refurbished, complemented by new lighting, wayfinding systems, and public art installations. Landscaping works were delivered by Glascott, reinforcing ecological resilience and everyday usability.

Community Collaboration and Strategic Impact

The Inner West GreenWay exemplifies long-term collaboration between local government, community advocates, and industry experts. By prioritising sustainable transport, ecological repair, and accessible recreation, the project sets a benchmark for resilient green infrastructure and community-led urban transformation in Australian cities.