Latest news on the Cool Carpark Project
June 2025 update:
Cumberland City Council is proud to announce the successful construction of Australia’s first Green, Cool Carpark. The innovative Cool Carpark Project, located at Holroyd Gardens Merrylands, combines a trellis structure with native vines to transform a hot asphalt carpark into a cool and shaded space. This initiative has already shown promising results, highlighting the impact of urban cooling solutions in reducing the effects of extreme heat.
The project provided compelling evidence of how combining green infrastructure with innovative design can significantly reduce the temperature extremes commonly found in unshaded car parks. This project not only addresses urban heat but also fosters vibrant, accessible spaces that encourage economic prosperity and support a diverse and sustainable local environment.
The prototype delivered all anticipated positive outcomes without the loss of any parking spaces. The addition of new green infrastructure enhanced the car park, and the thermal performance of the prototype exceeded expectations. Shade cast by the vines reduced surface temperatures by up to 50%, improved human thermal comfort by 10°C, and lowered air temperatures beneath the structure by up to 2.5°C compared to areas in the sun.
In addition to cooling, the shade structure brought other useful benefits. It helped protect cars from UV damage, which can fade paint and weaken plastic trims. It also helped preserve the asphalt, extending its lifespan and saving Council money. People using the car park now enjoy a cooler and more comfortable experience, and nearby plants benefit from cooler air, helping them stay healthier during hot summer days.
The vines grew well in the first season and are expected to cover up all of the structure within five years. The system is easy to maintain, with only occasional pruning and guidance needed. Placing the trellis on the western side of the car park helped block the afternoon sun.
With nearly 1 km² of unshaded car parks across Cumberland, and 99% of Western Sydney’s car parks lacking any shade, this project represents a scalable, transferable solution that could redefine the way local governments address heat in urban environments.
Image: Western Sydney University Lead researcher, Professor Sebastian Pfautsch, Cumberland City Council Mayor, Ola Hamed
July 2023 update:
Construction of the Holroyd Gardens Cool Carpark is complete.
The 2 year study of the carpark heat monitoring is now underway.
May 2023 project:
Cumberland City Council was awarded funding through the NSW Government’s Greening Our City grant to develop a prototype green carpark project that aims to convert a heat affected, conventional open-air asphalt carpark into a cool and green carpark.
The project will commence at Holroyd Gardens, works are due to start 1st May 2023.
According to research conducted by Western Sydney University, carparks across the Cumberland LGA collectively span nearly 1km2 of space. Most alarmingly, the research has found that temperatures in these unshaded, asphalt carparks may exceed 50°C on hot summer days, posing a health risk for the community and can negatively impact local business.
The works will commence at Holroyd Central Gardens carpark and aim to exemplify cost-efficient and sustainable urban design through the utilisation of fast-growing vines, to improve local resilience against rising heat.
Council has also partnered with Western Sydney University to conduct an in depth long-term scientific study of the effect the project has on urban heat within the carpark.
