Bong Bong Common Stage 1 and 2 Works

  • Project typeCar park formalisation, obelisk relocation, nature and interpretative play elements, circulation path, amenities building and signage
  • Project value$6 million
  • Contractor nameLamond Contracting Pty Ltd
Bong Bong Common Perspective View - amenities building - toilets - bathrooms


Construction works are continuing on the execution of stages 1 and 2 of the Bong Bong Common Master Plan.

This project will include the construction of interpretative play space areas to appeal to children and engage a sense of fun.

In early May 2023, Council’s contractor Lamond Contracting began applying fill material to lift surface levels for the play space areas, amenities building, and circulation path above the 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood level due to the site's proximity to the Wingecarribee River.

Weather permitting, the project is due for completion in November 2023.

Background

Bong Bong Common is the site of “a convict period settlement that dates from 1821 to c.1843 which consisted predominantly of government buildings where soldiers and public servants would have worked and lived”. This is the first European settlement of the area which “was progressively abandoned from 1837 in favour of the new settlement at Berrima with only two building remaining in 1843.”

Archaeological investigation

Archaeological investigations were undertaken in 2021 by Austral Archaeology to determine the exact locations of the remaining building remnants against historical mapping. These investigations informed the design of the project and what risk (if any) the proposed works had on these items. 

Design elements included in the works
  • Nature and interpretative playspaces within the common to appeal to children and engage them with a sense of fun.
  • Playspaces include seating and picnic benches to encourage users to play and stay within the common whilst remaining sympathetic to the open vista the common is adored for.
  • Provision of carparking including disability spaces and improved accessibility for all.
  • New amenities building.
  • New circuit path with gathering, rest points and raised boardwalks that include interpretive and artistic elements to further enhance the existing path and provide options for users.
  • Interpretive and informative elements to highlight the historical nature of the site including Aboriginal and European historical activities.
  • Viewing platforms to provide improved connection with the Wingecarribee River frontage.  
  • Improved connections to neighbouring Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve.
Lamond Contracting applying fill material at Bong Bong Common in May 2023.
Image: Lamond Contracting applying fill material at Bong Bong Common in May 2023.
 Construction works

The construction of Bong Bong Common Stage 1A, 1B and 2 pose several logistical challenges given the complex nature of the project, staging and extent of works.

Lamond Contracting proposes to establish construction sites on multiple fronts in a staged approach. This will ensure a successful outcome for the project whilst maintaining safety, quality and environmental management and provide minimal disturbance and inconvenience to the community.

During the construction phase, Council will work collaboratively with the principal contractor to provide regular updates and guidance on closures to the walking track and associated car parking. We appreciate the inconvenience this may cause some users and ask that you work with the relevant bodies to ensure the successful completion of this exciting project. 

Closure of car parking off Moss Vale Road and paved sections of Bong Bong Common

During the construction works, full closure of the unpaved car park at the entry off Moss Vale Road and next to the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve access track was required, including any access point to the walking track. Upgrades to this car park have been completed and it was re-opened on the 10th of November 2023.

The track can also be accessed via Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, or by entering the path at Suttor Road Moss Vale, Phillip Street Burradoo, Hurlingham Avenue Burradoo, or Railway Road Burradoo.  

Project funding

This project is jointly funded by the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program, 2020 Arts and Culture Grant funding, Stronger Country Communities Fund, and Wingecarribee Shire Council funding. 

Latest update - December 2023

We are busy putting the finishing touches on the new toilet block and play space at Bong Bong Common and expect to open it to the public within the next week or so. Then our Contractor, Lamond Contracting, will be back in January 2024 to complete the two viewing platforms on the river bank and install the directional and interpretive signage.

We are also working closely with Transport for NSW to obtain the final approvals to commence work on a dedicated left hand turn lane for south bound traffic and right hand turn lane for north bound traffic entering the Bong Bong Common from Moss Vale Road. Works for the intersection upgrade are programmed for early 2024.

Bong Bong Common image gallery

NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program: Bong Bong Common

 

Contact details

Capital Projects
02 4868 0888

Location

610 Moss Vale Road, Burradoo 2576  View Map

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