Merrylands Civic Square in Western Sydney, NSW, designed by Turf Design Studio for Cumberland City Council, is a new major public space for one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia.
The project received $5.5 million in state funding through the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program, and delivers a flexible city centre with integrated bespoke elements that magnify the local character and history of the site.
Cumberland City Council Senior Coordinator Place and Engagement, Christopher Manoski, said, “The vision was to create an important new community space in the heart of Merrylands that will serve as a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. Where community and visitors can play, dwell and take part in community life – and further enhances the quality of public space Merrylands has to offer.
“It was designed with the intention of becoming an icon of Merrylands that represents its local character, and communicates its history and connection with Country, while connecting with the surrounding multicultural community.”
Turf Design Studio Director Matt Coggan said strong collaboration with Cumberland City Council, Yerrabingin Indigenous consultants, and Guppy Art Management, resulted in a design that brings out cultural themes.
“Our design approach started with Country, working with Yerrabingin to reveal the essence of the place – from the underlying geology and water story, to the local native flora and fauna,” he said.
As a memory of A’Becketts Creek that once flowed through the site, architectural canopies designed to catch the rain will drain down the surface of columns to feed an ephemeral ‘creekline’ designed into the paving levels. Misting through the space also brings water play, and cooling in summer.
Coggan says public art weaves stories of people and place through the site: from Dharug artist Adam Laws’ carved tree and boulders, to local artist Marian Abboud’s olive tree imagery on graphic tiles, to cultural calligrapher Reza Taghipour’s multilingual paving about use of clay, flour and water across cultures.
“It was particularly important that the design resonate with the community, and celebrate aspects of culture that are both shared and diverse. The work of our three artists is integrated into the design, becoming part of the fabric of the place,” said Coggan.
Turf specified Linea VT Seating throughout the square to offer ample places to sit in comfort, with organic curves that create social spaces.
Australian Spotted Gum timber hardwood on the seats, benches and Cafe Settings with battened tops, are paired with frames in Dark Bronze complementing the earthy tones of the paving palette.
Manoski said, “The carefully-selected furniture has resulted in an open and welcoming space with gentle slopes, wide and continuous paths, and a variety of seating opportunities for all ages and abilities.
“The design prioritises inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can participate in street life and support a sustainable community.”
The western edge of the plaza has an urban, civic quality, and incorporates smart and passive technologies including PowerMe device-charging tables, Escola eBins, multi-function poles and public Wi-Fi.
Local residents flocked to the Grand Opening of the square in August, with a joyful program of live music, food trucks and performances showing the ability of the square to support public events.
“The feedback that Council has received since the opening of the Civic Square has been extremely positive. The Grand Opening community event saw more than 8000 residents and visitors attend to discover and enjoy this new public space for the first time,” said Manoski.
“Some of the feedback from residents included positive reactions to the passive cooling provided by the shade canopies where they have been taking a break, either alone or with colleagues and an alternate place to have lunch. Children have also thoroughly enjoyed the space, particularly the misters, water feature, and drinking fountains.”
Coggan said, “We hope this project leaves a positive and lasting legacy for the people of Merrylands for generations to come.”
Our inhouse engineering team working on the Linea VT Curved Seat.
Linea VT Curved frames awaiting assembly at our Western Sydney factory.
Merrylands seating awaiting final touches and dispatch from the factory.
