An ambitious project to revitalise Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s ‘Kurturtu’ (civic heart) has recently opened in the City of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The project, designed by Landscape Architects Aspect Studios, connects Kalgoorlie’s unique qualities of ancient geological formations with artworks by Indigenous artists in a space complemented by new street furniture and a sculptural play space for families.
The project celebrates the unique cultural heritage of the region’s First Nations people and creates a greater sense of community and connection among all who call Kalgoorlie-Boulder home.
$8 million of funding was received from the State Government for the Economic Transformation of Kalgoorlie City Centre Project.
Aspect Studios’ Associate, Megan Salom, said this new civic precinct creates a welcoming and dynamic urban space for local families, visitors and businesses.
Salom said, “Conceptually, the ancient geological formations, water bodies and ecologies of the area are expressed within the design, becoming a catalyst for reigniting the city centre.”
Fifteen artworks by local and regional Indigenous artists from various communities have been incorporated into one of the largest public displays of First Nations art in Western Australia, illustrating the depth of Kalgoorlie’s cultural heritage. Meet the artists here.
Street Furniture Australia’s Aria collection was selected for this project with its eco-certified hardwood providing contemporary proprietary seating to complement raised stone planters and seating walls.
“The Aria seats were strategically placed to enable users to engage with the alfresco and event areas. They also contributed to the provision of a range of seating amenity for the community at Kal City Centre,” Salom said.
Street Furniture Australia’s Aria collection includes:
Aria Seat Plinth-fixed. Eco-certified hardwood battens, Textura Woodland Grey frames.
Aria Bench Plinth-fixed. Eco-certified hardwood battens, Textura Woodland Grey frames.
The new sculptural playground is already popular with families. The climbing structure, shaped like a silky pear, symbolises Karlkurla fruit, referencing the origin of Kalgoorlie’s name. The centrally located ‘Hovering Earth’ canopy provides shade, music, mist and a water feature to activate the space throughout the year.
This project has created a welcoming urban space for families, locals, businesses, and visitors to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, bringing life to Kalgoorlie’s Central Business District.
Photography by Peter Bennetts.
