Wardell’s Community Green Space Opens To Public
Stage one of the Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation is now complete, delivering a vibrant new community green space at the western end of Richmond Street.
“This vibrant new space is a real milestone for Wardell. It’s about creating a welcoming heart for the village where people can come together, reconnect and celebrate their community,” said Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
“This revitalisation is not just about streetscape upgrades. It’s about investing in Wardell’s social and economic recovery, and building a stronger, more connected village for the future,” she said.
The area has been transformed into a welcoming community space in the heart of Wardell. The new pedestrian-friendly zone features upgraded paving, seating, landscaping, public art, improved lighting and drainage, and a major stormwater upgrade on Sinclair Street.
Removable bollards allow the space to be opened for small markets and local events, providing a flexible space that supports Wardell’s ongoing social and economic recovery.
The works also include a shared pedestrian-priority zone with reduced traffic speeds, new street furniture and interpretative signage, a pedestrian crossing on Sinclair Street, grass-surfaced formal parking at the eastern end, and landscaping to protect existing fig trees and native vegetation.
Wardell’s new community space will come alive with its first major event, the Wardell River Festival, on Saturday 26 July 2025. This free, family-friendly festival is open to the whole community and welcomes visitors from across the region.
Organised by Wardell Core and supported through Council’s Festival and Events Sponsorship Program, the event will showcase culture, creativity and community spirit on the banks of the Richmond River.
The festival program includes live music, local art, market stalls, delicious food and a range of children’s activities, offering something for everyone.
“The upcoming Wardell River Festival will be a fitting way to celebrate this new space, a chance to honour the river’s significance and bring the community together through music, culture and connection,” said Mayor Cadwallader.
The $1.7 million Community Green Space project was made possible through the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s jointly funded Local Government Recovery Grants, which provided $900,000 for the Community Green Space works and $100,000 for stormwater upgrades. An additional $180,000 from the NSW Government’s Highly Impacted Councils Grant supported the stormwater upgrades. The remainder of the funding was provided by Ballina Shire Council.
Stage two planning underway
The Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation Master Plan was adopted by Council in November 2023 following extensive community consultation, including a community-led design charette. Shaped by local input, the plan focuses on three key areas; Community Green Space, Connecting to the River, and The Street.
With the Community Green Space now complete, the project team is turning its focus to the next stage, Connecting to the River. This phase includes a new boardwalk and footpath along the riverbank, linking Sinclair Street to the Wardell War Memorial Hall.
Council has been successful in obtaining a $400,000 grant from the Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program, administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority to commence this stage.
The project team is currently developing the design and obtaining planning approvals, prior to commencing the procurement and construction phase in late 2026.
Further information and ongoing updates on this project can be found at ballina.nsw.gov.au/Wardell-Village-Centre-Revitalisation
https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-Careers-and-Feedback/Media-Releases/Wardell’s-Community-Green-Space-opens-to-the-public