New Grafton Waterfront footpath on track

Published on 04 August 2022

Development of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct is starting to take shape with the footpath on track for completion before the end of the year.

Construction and concreting of the three-metre wide shared path started in July. Upon completion, the path meandering through parkland alongside the Clarence River from Prince Street to Clarence Street will be dotted with seats and picnic spots along its 700-metre length.

"The first stages of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct Master Plan are being realised through the construction of the current works involving pedestrian and cycle paths, picnic areas, viewing areas, access ramps, jetties, boat ramp, shade shelters, seating, lighting, and artworks that celebrate the culture of the local area," Vee Design Landscape Architect David Hatherly said.

"When completed, locals and visitors will be able to comfortably and safely walk and recreate along the waterfront, drawing attention back to one of Grafton’s natural and cultural assets."

The project will change accessibility to the waterfront, with stairs and access paths at Duke Street and Clarence Street, six car parks and light watercraft access to the river at Villiers Street, while a small boat ramp will allow boat access at Kent Street adjacent to Clarence River Sailing Club.

The design includes improved access for pedestrians into Memorial Park from Prince Street, with a number of historic structures and monuments as well as some garden features relocated to other prominent locations within the park to accommodate the changes.

Related Article: Design of Grafton Waterfront lookout point explained

"The R.A.N. lettering in the garden bed will be replanted closer to the river to allow for a wider entry path," Project Manager Andy Seaman said. "Meanwhile, the other letters including on the path towards the cenotaph will remain.

"There will also be shelters featuring art by local First Nations artists installed at both Memorial Park and Duke Street."

There will be a total of 10 interpretive signs distributed throughout the precinct, with four based on heritage, four on Indigenous culture and two on the Clarence River.

• FIRST NATIONS STORY GATHERING: Clarence Valley Council is inviting the community to share First Nations stories and ideas which may be used for the interpretive signs in consultation with Elders.
  Click here to find out more

Other alterations to Memorial Park include removing the toilet block and turning the Water Brigade building into the new toilet block, installing electricity, and replacing the concrete levee wall with an earth levee. The footpath will run along the top of the levee, with a single panel to be removed from the heritage fence to allow connection with Prince Street.

The Grafton Waterfront Precinct project is a Clarence Valley Council initiative in partnership with Alder Construction and the Australian Government, which provided $6.5 million funding under the Community Development Grants program. Click here to find out more about this project.

Future stages include turning the end of Prince Street into an exclusive pedestrian zone, while Grafton Rowing Club has funding committed to a full upgrade including accessible rooftop deck, pending DA approval.

For media enquiries please email communications@clarence.nsw.gov.au or phone 0427 894 745.