Shep's Mound to get a makeover
 

Well done Sydney Airport in committing to build this facility.

http://i.imgur.com/FNqFVCp.jpg

Mick

All that's missing is a red Mini on the Mound ;)

Definitely a great way to honour Bruce C. Shepherd, so we're very thankful for Sydney Airport reaching out to our group for input into the site and for getting the family involved to be able to properly commemorate Bruce in such a fitting way.

Keep an eye out for the Open Day, currently slated for August sometime, where Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather will officially open the site in the presence of his family and friends.

Can we request amendments? Like changing the location of those lighting poles??? :D

Can we request some positive comments from the spotting community? Like a change from the usual negativity and nit-picking that usually pops up?

Have a look at the previous threads that have come and gone on the forum over the years. There's so much negative talk about the spotting areas being swallowed up by development, yet here we have some seriously great news regarding what has long been a favourite spotting area. It's an announcement worth celebrating!

Well said Nige!!!!!!:)

Besides, good photographers can shoot around the poles....

And then there's always the Photoshop Pole Removal Plugin Filter.

Great News, a fantastic way to remember a great gentleman, and a positive for spotters in Sydney.

Of course Nigel. This is absolutely the best thing Sydney Airport has done.

My comments were not intended to be negative, hence the :D at the end of my unsuccessful attempt at humor.

What a great initiative by SAC. Is there any press release to accompany the photo?

spotting.
 

That looks great.

I haven't been to Sydney for a long time, and a spotting place like that would tempt us interstate to come and visit.

And so what a pole or two may get in the way, we have digital cameras and don't have to worry about wasting film (I kinda remember film).

Anyone know how long this will take?

About 9 or so weeks

Great to see at least some support from the airport towards spotters. A little promotion and a coffee cart franchise and it could turn into a real little destination!

And also longer term recognition of Shep.

Great news indeed and can't come soon enough!

Has anybody come across any further information online regarding the final design? This concept drawing seems pretty bare bones to me... Toilet facilities, access to a fresh water supply and extra shelter from the elements would make a visit to the mound a more enjoyable experience for the public? Sitting in your car enjoying the view in all weather conditions will no longer be an option based on the lower level location of the car park shown in this picture.

I'm hoping to be able to share some more information about the project as a whole early next week, though what I can share; with first shovel taking place in early June, you can expect to be plane spotting again at Shep's Mound by September this year!

Thanks Kurt!

I would be just grateful in what your getting full stop!

lol are you for real man? Why on earth should second best be good enough when I comes to a no doubt once in a lifetime opportunity like this? :confused:

So how much money are you going to put towards sewage and water?
You want too much! Be lucky you're getting what you are and that they're not closing the place down!

I've got a great idea. Lets have an argument on the internet!

This is an opportunity to showcase Sydney Airport on a truly global scale by delivering a world class spotting facility. Lets hope for the best! ;)

Unfortunately arguing will get us nowhere real quick ;-)

Having said that, I do partly agree with both of you.

On one hand, with anything like this, there is always a long wishlist of things that we'd like to have, my wishlist included. And on the other hand, I can also appreciate there are many challenges to equally meet those expectations; government approvals and budget etc.

Of course, the site is Sydney Airport's to develop as they please, though the project team have designed a space that will greatly improve the current area to ensure its longevity, it will formally commemorate a recognised and familiar "plane spotter" which is hugely welcomed, it will also be safe, secure, well manicured and will offer equal to improved viewing than currently exists.

Let's be fair, any redevelopment is better than what is current; and whilst I acknowledge the cries for toilets, cafe's, removal of light poles, more elevation, less trees, different parking arrangements etc.... some of those become redundant due to nearby facilities and others due to budget, site limitations, approvals etc.

Design aside, and I'm sure most will agree; I have to say, I'm very pleased and thankful that Sydney Airport has considered redeveloping this site, and with "plane spotters" in mind. This is the first land-side project in a very long time (since the Observation Deck) that has hit the drawing board, and in our favour. Alone, that speaks wonders for the Airport's commitment to community, which we should all be very excited about and thankful for.

Let's keep positive. September isn't a long way away, and again, I hope to share some more information on the project in general and it's progress over the coming weeks. Stay tuned :-)

Shep would love it. Where is his bus parking??

Shep would love it, and be just a little bit chuffed that it's being named after him :)

Digging through the old threads on this forum, back in 2009 (and probably even before that!) there was fear that Shep's Mound would get developed out of existence. Now it's being developed into longevity.

These 4 words in bold should be cause for celebration for the spotters and community alike. :)

It's great to see that Sydney Airport is getting a dedicated spotters' facility and I hope to use it when visiting Sydney later this year.

Perth spotters have enjoyed a similar facility since 2011 and those who have used it would agree that it is brilliant for spotting and photography. However, it does lack toilet and refreshment facilities due to the its location and the expense to connect to various services.

But I'm more more than happy with what has been provided.

Exciting times!

http://i.imgur.com/tvtOxe4.jpg

Goosebumps!

That's how good this is. Well done to SACL and can't wait to see the finished result.
Is there any official news release about this, yet? I've had a look at www.sydneyairport.com.au without finding anything.
That said, I do have chronic difficulties finding my way around that site, so the problem could well be mine.

Ah, did find it on their Facebook. It does pay to read the sign carefully :)

Yep, as a previous SACL critic/whinger about this in the past, I can can certainly say "Hi 5" and well done to SACL. Additional credit to whoever in SACL is recognising the contribution by naming the facility after the late passionate and committed spotter, Shep.

This is fantastic news. Thank you SACL!

Will there be any practical way of getting there without a car?

There isn't at the moment - I don't expect that will change.

Maybe the long term parking bus could make a little extra money and offer a service from the terminals??

Cheers
Mark

The walk from the bus stop at the entrance of the long term car park to Shep's Mound is not that far, probably 1/2 a kilometre at most.

The workers started today, and have fenced off the whole Shep Mound area.

Very nice to see things happening as planned and communicated :D

The final touches were put onto the fencing around Shep's Mound today.
The site will now take shape over the coming months :)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...6.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...k.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...n.jpg~original

I will keep you posted with updates as the redevelopment progresses.

This is an outstanding tribute to Shep. Congratulations to all involved in making it happen.

Just out of interest, and for those newer members of the forum who might not know of Bruce Shepherd, I've attached a memories booklet to this post, which this forum created after his passing. (You need to be a registered member and be logged in to view the attachment)
It was printed and shared with all who attended his funeral. Some great memories there and funny stories.

You can also check out this Plane Spotting Video which features Shep.
https://youtu.be/xYLhM7BPhKs

These two threads also features some photos:
http://yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=6922
http://yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=11346

To have a recognised spotting area in his name at Sydney Airport, where he spent a great deal of time, making many new friends, sharing good times, right up until he passed away, is just so fitting. He'd absolutely deny it, but I know he'd be quietly very proud.

Well done to all who worked behind the scenes to make this happen. Also to acknowledge a great friend is just tops.

Thank you for the history. As someone that lives in Melbourne, I thought Shep's Mound was the beach spotting place. When I saw the photos and the tower was in the background, I had to look at Google maps! It's going to be a great spot to sit and just watch.

Shep's Mound UPDATES
 

Hi everyone,

We’ve started construction on Shep’s Mound. We'll be posting updates on our social media channels and this forum about construction progress.

You're probably familiar with these alternative locations to plane spot, but just in case - http://bit.ly/planespotSYD

Sydney Airport

Great stuff and not before time! :)

Will parking be improved as part of the project and will it be free non-time limited parking?