At Queensland’s Gladstone, a port city on the land of the Bailai people, a decommissioned industrial port site has been transformed into a dynamic community parkland, designed by Urbis for the Gladstone Ports Corporation.
The parkland celebrates the history and culture of the people of Gladstone, which has a history in mining and industry. Urbis Associate Director (Design), Sam Burns, says the waterfront “embraces the site’s industrial heritage.”
The project features a waterpark, boardwalk and green spaces and is centred around accommodating community members of all ages and abilities. The design received a 2021 AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Spaces and a Regional Achievement Award.
AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award judges praised the designers for paying homage to the industrial past, “while gently shifting its focus to the city’s ‘greatest physical asset, its waterfront’.”
They commented on the project’s focus on responsible land repurposing, which has successfully shifted the use of the space into “an enriched and lively meeting place” while honouring its history as a mining town.
Urbis specified a suite of custom furniture from Street Furniture Australia; with two colour palettes delineating two distinct precincts.
“The furniture suite is consistent throughout, with the colour dialled up or down, according to its audience,” said Burns.
“The furniture plays a strong role in creating a sense of place and wayfinding.”
In the playful waterpark areas, custom seats, picnic settings and platforms are seen with alternating batten colours of Lobster Red, Sensation Orange, Safety Yellow and Brilliant Yellow.
The most recent phase has seen installation of custom seats and picnic settings with anodised aluminium battens to reflect the industrial history of the site.
