Project background
As part of the Church Point Precinct Masterplan, we're upgrading Thomas Stephens Reserve to create a safer, more attractive public space.
This well-loved area between Pasadena and The Waterfront Café will be revitalised to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the space around the shops.
The final landscape design shaped by extensive community consultation and expert input, retains key features such as the herb garden and most trees, while introducing a new boardwalk, wharf-style seating, upgraded paving, planting, and improved amenities like bins, bike racks and a water station.
In response to feedback, the plan keeps the sandstone planter, adds permeable paving and tree surrounds, and repositions the bike rail for better access.
Despite every effort to preserve trees, an independent arborist has advised that one near the seawall could not survive due to unavoidable root damage during essential stormwater works. This tree has been replaced with an advanced specimen suited to the location. In the week commencing 16 March 2026 a Eucalyptus scoparia tree was also removed from the Reserve and replaced with a new advanced Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata). The tree that was removed and replaced posed a public hazard due to root dysfunction.
Learn how we are managing the works
Ferry services will be maintained at all times during the works.
The temporary gangway to the ferry wharf will remain in use until works are completed.
Access to The Waterfront Cafe & General Store and Pasadena will be maintained at all times.
Marine works started in mid-September 2025 and are now complete. Upgrades included a new boardwalk, ferry pontoon extension, and seawall replacement.
Stage 2 landscaping works began in late-February 2026 and will include permeable paving and improved public seating and bike facilities. The work is anticipated to be complete by mid-2026.
Works will typically take place Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm. No night work is expected.
You may experience some construction noise from the demolition and construction of the new jetty. We will work to minimise disruption where possible and appreciate your patience as we deliver this important community upgrade.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) was prepared to assess potential environmental impacts and outline mitigation measures. The REF was prepared in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), by independent consultants.
The assessment looked at impacts of the works including influence on any physical and chemical, biological, community, natural resource, cultural heritage and matters of national environmental significance. The REF concluded that the works would not result in significant environmental impacts using the proposed mitigation measures.
Efforts have always been underway to preserve trees. An independent arborist advised earlier in the projects planning phase that some may not survive construction and we’ve been regularly monitoring works.
After seawall removal, a tree root assessment confirmed that one tree’s proximity to deteriorated stormwater pipes that need replacing, meant it must be removed. Root damage from essential works on this critical infrastructure would compromise the trees stability and lifespan. Removal and replacement with a suitable advanced specimen was recommended and as such the tree was removed in October 2025, and replanted in early 2026.
In the week commencing 16 March 2026 a Eucalyptus scoparia tree was also removed from the Reserve and replaced with a new advanced Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata, pictured below). The tree that was removed and replaced posed a public hazard due to root dysfunction.
Environmental assessments
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Addendum to the REF
View addendum -
Statement of Heritage Impact
View the statement
Community engagement
We exhibited the proposed upgrades to Church Point Commercial Centre in April and May 2021 and received feedback from 123 people, with strong community support.
Since that time we reviewed and incorporated the feedback from our community, key stakeholder groups and internal business stakeholders into the design works for Thomas Stephens Reserve. We worked closely with key stakeholders to finalise the design, which was presented to the community in March 2024.
We made a number of changes to both the landscape design for Thomas Stephens Reserve and the proposed road realignment works. Some suggested changes have been accommodated while others are not supported due to cost, conflicting community design desires or internal feedback from our various asset owners and maintenance operations within Council.
Our intention was to find the right balance between the wishes of community members and users whilst creating improved amenity and well-managed assets with a quality outcome for the budget available.
Works schedule and landscape design
Works are being delivered in stages to minimise disruption.
Marine works started mid September 2025 and are now complete. Upgrades include a new boardwalk, ferry pontoon extension, and seawall repairs and additions. Works also included temporary asphalt. The reserve will be opened for Christmas.
Stage 2 Landscaping works began in late-February 2026 and will include permeable paving and improved public seating and bike facilities. The work is anticipated to be complete by mid-2026.
Related projects
Have an enquiry?
| Name | Major Infrastructure Projects Team | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1300 434 434 (during business hours) | ||
| council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au | |||
| In writing |
|
