Breaking ground at Bank Street Park - a milestone for gender diversity in construction
Construction is now underway on the 1.1-hectare Bank Street Park, a NSW Government Women in Construction pilot project being delivered by BESIX Watpac in partnership with Infrastructure NSW. The project is targeting an industry leading outcome for women’s participation, with the BESIX Watpac project team made up of almost 90% women.
Last week, BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker joined Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper, Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and Infrastructure NSW CEO Tom Gellibrand for the official turning of the sod.
Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said: “This new waterfront park is the first piece of green space to be delivered as part of in the revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay, which has been inaccessible to the broader community for decades.”
Mark Baker, BESIX Watpac CEO said: “We understand what it takes to deliver community shaping infrastructure and precincts, and Bank Street Park allows us to bring our proven experience on major projects delivered in partnership with the NSW Government.”
“By focusing on improving productivity, we’ll provide certainty of construction outcomes while also delivering a lasting social legacy for the community and the industry.”
In a first for NSW, the partnership between Infrastructure NSW and BESIX Watpac is helping drive change to proactively reach a minimum target of 40% and stretch target of 50% participation of women throughout the project lifecycle, far surpassing the construction industry average of 12%.
Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said: “This project is setting a new benchmark for the industry in its ambition to redefine who builds our infrastructure.”
Baker added: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, it’s especially meaningful to be breaking ground on a project that will be led by an exceptional team of women.”
“We’re proud to partner with Infrastructure NSW on a project that advances greater equity across the industry and aligns with BESIX Watpac’s commitment to supporting women to build fulfilling careers in construction – currently almost 90% of the BESIX Watpac team delivering this project are women.”
To achieve the target, the team embedded workforce targets into procurement, are planning internship, pre-employment and apprenticeship programs, and culture-building initiatives such as a male allyship program and unconscious bias training.
The new Bank Street Park will deliver a range of welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy, including:
- a playground, multipurpose court and fitness station
- open lawns and First Nations-inspired shelter structures
- public amenities and provisions for outdoor food trucks and coffee carts
- a new pontoon for kayak water access and storage for dragon boats
- new footpaths and cycleways that will link into the future 15km ‘Harbour Walk’ from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
The workforce is expected to reach 100 people at peak construction.
To learn more about the project, visit https://blackwattlebay.insw.com/projects/bank-street-park/about-the-park/
The park is expected to open in 2027.
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