Henderson Park Opening Honours a TV Legend

Brian Henderson was the Channel Nine 6pm newsreader for a remarkable 45 years and for many generations of Sydneysiders, a trusted face in Australian journalism. His wife, Mardi Henderson and their daughters Nicole and Jody, marked the occasion by planting a wattle tree in Henderson Park. Mardi and Brian were married for 55 years until his passing in 2021.

Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Stuart Penklis said every site has a story, and successful urban renewal should aim to maintain connections with the past.

“We felt strongly that the history of Channel Nine should be woven into the fabric of this new residential community, not just as memories for those who were here before, but for those who are here now and, in the future,” said Mr Penklis.

“Brian Henderson was like family, present in our living rooms when the news came on at 6pm. He left a legacy of integrity and trust, and we are thrilled that we could keep a piece of that legacy at NINE by Mirvac,” said Mr Penklis.

Henderson Park is the centrepiece of the development’s 6,500sqm network of open green space. The park is the same width as Martin Place and includes native trees and shrubs connecting the residential community’s extensive amenity including The Gateway community hub and Parabol Playground, both publicly accessible.

Mardi Henderson said that knowing Brian’s legacy would be forever remembered in the place where he devoted so much of his life was a comfort to the entire family.

“Brian loved Channel Nine and he was very loyal. Television in Australia began in September 1956, and he started at the network in January 1957. So, he was there from the beginning,” said Mrs Henderson.  

“Before Brian passed, he had an inkling that something was in the wind after he saw concept plans for the development but when Mirvac asked my permission to name the park after him, I was just blown away. He would have been so chuffed.”

Channel Nine left the Willoughby site in 2020, leaving behind an assortment of studios and cottages, now transformed into 442 residential boutique apartments, across 10 buildings. The redevelopment allowed the extraordinary views across the lower north shore and Sydney CBD to be unlocked for the first time in 65 years.

Kerry Packer’s helicopter landing pad is easy to spot, now a green expanse of lawn for children and families to play, alongside barbecues and outdoor dining shelters. The repurposed Channel Nine transmission tower forms the centrepiece of Parabol Playground.

At a time of falling housing supply and rising costs, the completion of 442 homes located just seven minutes by bus from the Sydney CBD, makes a significant contribution to alleviating the housing crisis, said Mr Penklis.

“It’s not just about delivering more homes, but residential communities with great amenity that allows residents to live a rewarding life in their homes and outdoors. This is a perfect example of density done well that needs to be a part of the Sydney fabric, with a range of low and medium density homes delivered in a well-located area close to transport, schools, parks and shops,” said Mr Penklis.

“We build quality homes that our buyers trust and for a second year in a row, Mirvac Construction has been awarded with the highest possible 5 Gold star iCIRT rating. We have consistently delivered a track record of excellent, high-quality development and it’s great to see our achievements being recognised,” said Mr Penklis.

In addition to the outdoor spaces, including Laurina Square for the exclusive use of residents, a café and restaurant are just weeks away from opening and The Gateway community hub has spaces and workshops for a range of activities, including celebrations, meetings and events.

For more information, please visit https://nine.mirvac.com/