A First Look at Georges River Council’s Prototype ChillOUT Hubs

We’re pleased to share that the construction of our three ChillOUT Hubs is nearing completion, part of a pilot study for the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.

ChillOUT Hubs are smart, open-air community spaces. The prototype installations offer people a free, comfortable place to meet, work and play. They also enable asset managers to monitor utilities, visitation and the microclimate.

For more information see our article What Is ChillOUT?

The official launch will take place in February 2020. The collaborative team of Georges River Council, UNSW and Street Furniture Australia will also host a series of events including a Council Knowledge Exchange, industry hackathon and tours to site.

Please register your interest with Tiffany Hoy at editor@streetfurniture.com 

Here is an update from each site.

A Streetscape – Belgrave Street, Kogarah

The data at the Kogarah hub is now live on UNSW’s smart asset management dashboard.

Street art is scheduled to go onto the ground plane, with cooling pavement paint.

This ChillOUT Hub offers a place to take a break along a busy thoroughfare, connecting the train station, hospital, library and offices. Office workers may choose to work outdoors, connecting to WiFi and plugging in laptops.

A Town Centre – Mortdale

The ChillOUT Hub prototype in Mortdale tests a completely off-the-grid solar powered solution. The solar panels are now up and running. Cooling paint supergraphics are also scheduled for installation at this site.

Installed in the heart of a suburban town centre, it is a central meeting point for locals to dine, rest and catch up.

A Park – Timothy Reserve, Hurstville

This hub is now installed, with more greenery added to the planters. Data is live from the smart trees, and a weather station is set up. A smart fountain will also be installed to gather more data.

This ChillOUT prototype offers a place for picnics, parties and family gatherings. Plug in a speaker for music, and keep devices charged. The lookout table is designed for parents to comfortably supervise children in the playground.