65 Paddington Reservoir Gardens

The Paddington Reservoir Gardens was a complete surprise for most of us.   Located in Paddington right there on Oxford street one would suppose that everyone knows at least something about this unique space.   We have discovered though that few people do.

In 1866 a reservoir  was  built here to  supply water to Sydney.   It had since passed through several stages, a storage facility,a garage, a petrol station, covered over,   until the present clever transformation which opened in 2008.  It is state heritage listed.

A consultant to the Council who happened to be on site gladly answered our questions with regard to the history, architecture and use of the space and in  particular future expectations and hopes of how the place might be used.   The Reservoir has earned several civic awards.

After a through  inspection we wandered down to Berkelouw Books for coffee. 

Thanks to Kate who did so much planning by driving to the area,  measuring walking distances, checking bus numbers etc .   Although we did not walk through the local streets and on to the gallery as planned  we still  had a most satisfying morning . As always, Sydney continues to surprise us.

After a little absence it was just so  good to have Marie-Claire and Jane back with us.

Walkers:  Moira,  Kate, Pippa, Marie-Claire, Jane, Donna, Carolle