Randwick City Council has announced the start of demolition work to remove a home in South Coogee in preparation to create the final missing link in Sydney’s Coastal Walkway.
For years, people walking the Coastal Walkway between South Coogee and Maroubra have been forced to leave the coastline and detour 640m inland, up a hill and along Malabar Road before rejoining the path.
Council purchased a house in Cuzco Street, South Coogee in late 2024 which, once demolished, will make way for a direct public connection between Cuzco Street and Seaside Parade, linking South Coogee with Maroubra.
The project is the result of an agreement more than two decades in the making. Council first approached the property’s owner, artist and local historical society president, Ellen Waugh OAM, in 2002, seeking first right of refusal over the family home her father built in the 1930s. The land was rezoned as open space in 2012.
Ms Waugh lived in the house (pictured, above) until her death in January 2024, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. She turned down repeated offers from developers, determined that the coastline she loved would one day be open to everyone.
Randwick Mayor, Clare Willington said the start of works was a milestone for the community project.
“Ellen Waugh held onto this vision for more than 20 years, and now we start turning it into something everyone can enjoy,” Mayor Willington said.
“This is one of the final missing pieces of our Coastal Walkway, and it’s a fitting tribute to a remarkable local woman.”
Demolition and site preparation are expected to continue throughout November. The Council says environmental controls will be in place throughout works to protect the surrounding coastal environment. The site will be fenced, and walkers should continue to follow the signed detour route during works.
A concept design for the new walkway connection will be exhibited for community feedback, with construction to follow, Council confirmed.
