Greek cultural legacy at Sydney Olympic Park faces demolition under 2050 Masterplan

·

The Greek Australian community has raised concerns over the potential demolition of Stockroute Park and the Discobolus sculpture at Sydney Olympic Park, as outlined in the NSW Government’s Draft Masterplan 2050.

This redevelopment plan threatens a significant cultural legacy that was a gift from the Greek community to Australia ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Stockroute Park, located on Herb Elliott Avenue, includes mature olive trees donated by Greek Australian communities and Discobolus, an artwork by renowned artist Robert Owen.

Established in the late 1990s, this “art-park” was funded entirely by Greek Australians, supported by international Greek organisations and Greece’s government, and coordinated with the Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA). It forms part of the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” which commemorates the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Games.

The park and its installations were enhanced between 2009 and 2010 in preparation for the Sydney Games’ 10th anniversary. Collaborations between Greek Australian groups and international Greek institutions introduced interpretive signage and artistic elements that celebrated Greece’s contributions to the Olympic movement.

Greek cultural legacy at Sydney Olympic Park faces demolition under 2050 Masterplan
The wall explaining the artwork and including the names of donors.

Designed as a lasting acknowledgment of Greece’s contributions to the Olympic movement, the park has since become a significant cultural and historical landmark​, and was officially recognised by the NSW Geographic Names Board in 2010.

Despite this, Stockroute Park and its iconic Hellenic features face removal to accommodate mixed-use commercial development​ at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Draft Masterplan 2050 envisions a transformation of the 650-hectare site into a bustling urban precinct with housing, schools, and mixed-use spaces. This vision comes at the cost of several heritage sites, including Stockroute Park.

Prominent Greek Australian organisations and individuals have called for urgent action. They are urging the community to voice their concerns during the public consultation period, which closes on November 25.

To learn more or submit feedback on the Draft Masterplan 2050, visit the Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s exhibition site here.​

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

HACCI National Federation holds online event on Greek-Australian trade relations

HACCI National Federation marked a milestone with its inaugural online event ‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’ on March 20.

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

You May Also Like

Australian pop-artist immortalises Greek Revolution heroines in LEGO

Australian ‘Lego Classicist,’ Pop-Artist and Historical Archivist, Liam D. Jensen, has immortalised Greek Revolution heroines in LEGO

Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage

Greece has today become the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage. Read more here.

Two Greek bars earn their place on the World’s 50 Best Bars list

Two of Greece's top bars in Athens have earned their spot on the Worlds 50 Best Bars list for 2023, because of their greatness.