Hornsby Crusher Plant
Hornsby Park is a newly transformed 60-hectare public park set in the heart of a former basalt quarry, nearby the Hornsby CBD. Featuring open lawns, picnic areas, walking trails, and heritage elements, the park is an environment for anyone who wishes to have a memorable outdoor experience. The newly transformed space enhances community wellbeing through thoughtful landscape design and improved access, acting as a new backyard for the Hornsby locals and tourists passing through.
The Brief
Hornsby Shire Council aimed to take a long-inaccessible quarry site and transform it into a regional parkland of ecological and community value. There was a strong focus on enabling safe public access, including parking, pathways, and a central gathering space overlooking the quarry. A key objective was to retain the site’s industrial character while introducing new infrastructure for community use. The project forms the foundation of a broader masterplan, with future stages set to further activate the area, including adaptive reuse of the crusher plant.
Meeting The Brief
Our work at Hornsby Park included the Crusher Plant Precinct, where our focus was on finding the ability to reuse items and construct features that make the space safe and accessible, whilst creating an inviting atmosphere for community members to enjoy. Our construction and play teams delivered a parking area, public seating facilities and a central focus area for people to meet. During construction we were able to reuse old quarry concrete blocks, culverts and ballast to make the project more sustainable and maintain the heritage of the site.
The project stands as a strong community asset, grounded in the site’s industrial history and natural landscape.
Going Beyond It
A site-wide sustainability framework was created by Hornsby Shire Council, alignment with which was achieved through the extensive reuse of on-site materials. Sandstone, concrete, culverts, and ballast were repurposed throughout the park, reducing waste and preserving the site’s history. Recovered industrial elements were also integrated into the design, including an original crushing plate reinstalled as a feature piece. Existing rock formations were retained and enhanced as natural landscape elements. Custom access solutions, including a bespoke steel staircase and accessible ramp system, were carefully integrated into the new space balancing functionality, inclusivity, and minimal site impact.
The Pluses We Brought To This Project
Challenges
- A large challenge was the limited access as there was only one way in and out of the site.
- The project was located within a sensitive environmental area with no fresh water or electrical resources.
Fun Facts
- The park sits on a former basalt quarry which had been closed to the public for over 100 years before reopening.
- Original materials were reused and repurposed for the newly transformed space. The site retains its original quarry atmosphere with dramatic rock and industrial remnants shaping the visitor experience.
- Visitors can visit the area via the upgraded Heritage Steps which also connects the precinct to the nearby Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Project Partners
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Client: Hornsby Shire Council
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Lead Design Consultant: CLOUSTON Associates – a division of Beveridge Williams
Community Engagement
- The 60-hectare park has been a large success within the local community. There was lots of user generated content and community buzz surrounding its opening and transformation. The new space has attracted many locals and others from nearby areas. We are happy to help the council achieve their aim to transform the space so now community members and tourists can create outdoor memorable experiences.