Thomas Stephens Reserve in Church Point has been upgraded with a longer timber boardwalk, restored sandstone seawall, accessible ferry gangway and renewed landscaping, giving the waterfront reserve a clearer and more usable layout for residents, visitors and ferry users.
Church Point Waterfront Reserve Completed
The completed works have refreshed one of Church Point’s familiar waterfront spaces, located between Pasadena and nearby local shops. The reserve has long served as a meeting point for people moving through the village centre, catching ferries, visiting nearby businesses or spending time near the water.
The upgrade includes an extended timber boardwalk, a restored sandstone seawall and a new accessible ferry gangway. These changes improve access through the area and make it easier for people to move between the reserve, the ferry connection and surrounding businesses.
The works also include renewed paved areas with permeable paving, new garden beds, seating, bins, bike racks and other facilities intended to make the waterfront area more practical and comfortable.
Nearby public amenities have also been upgraded, with accessible toilets and baby change facilities now available for the first time.
Thomas Stephens Reserve Gains New Seating And Landscaping
The Thomas Stephens Reserve upgrade builds on earlier plans to improve the look and function of the area. Previous planning identified concerns about the reserve’s appearance, pavement affected by tree roots, and facilities that reduced the overall amenity of the space.
The final landscape design retained key features, including the herb garden and most trees, while adding new waterfront seating, upgraded paving, planting and improved facilities. The sandstone planter was also retained, while permeable paving and tree surrounds were added.
One tree near the seawall could not be kept after an independent arborist found it was unlikely to survive root damage connected to essential stormwater works. It was replaced with an advanced tree suited to the location. In the week commencing 16 March 2026, one Eucalyptus scoparia was also removed after root dysfunction made it a public hazard, and an advanced Sydney Red Gum was planted in its place.
Years Of Church Point Works Reach Main Milestone
The reserve upgrade followed several stages. Community feedback on the Church Point Commercial Centre upgrade was gathered in April and May 2021, and the landscape design was finalised in March 2024.
Marine works began and were completed in September 2025. That stage included the new boardwalk, a ferry pontoon extension and seawall replacement at the reserve.
Stage 2 landscaping works began in late February 2026, adding permeable paving, improved seating and bike facilities. The project was completed in May 2026.
Further nearby works are planned for McCarrs Creek Road. Speed humps and signage aimed at slowing traffic are planned for May, weather permitting. From August to November, additional works are expected to include a pedestrian refuge for safer access to the bus stop, new kerb and guttering, line marking and footpath upgrades.
The completed reserve works mark a major step in the ongoing improvement of the Church Point waterfront area, with the focus now shifting to nearby road and pedestrian access changes.
Published 18-May-2026
