Queensland Projects and Sites
Southport Broadwater Parklands
introduction / overview / images / location / Qld-Projects
Landscape Architect: AECOM
Location: Southport, Queensland
The Southport Broadwater Parklands, with its spectacular Nerang River frontage and proximity to the Southport CBD, has long been a popular community gathering place on the Gold Coast. Realising the potential for the parklands, the Gold Coast City Council applied for funding through the Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program for master planning works and the first stage of construction.
Following the allocation of funding from the Queensland Government, which was matched by Council, AECOM was commissioned to develop the master plan for the parklands, through to the delivery of the first stage of construction.
From the outset and aspirational vision for the parklands was set: to become one of Australia’s great foreshore parks – an iconic gateway for the Gold Coast and a popular destination, where events, history and water combine to create an active green waterfront. Stage One was completed in August 2009 and includes a major event lawns, bathing boxes, barbeque shelters and play equipment, a central community pavilion, extensive walking and cycling network, an extended pier, a constructed wetland and bioretention basins throughout the parklands.
AECOM’s response to the Broadwater’s natural environment reflects a commitment to ecosystem preservation within the parklands that will propel the Gold Coast into the next evolution of sustainable design. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels, provide energy to the parkland, with a view to self-sufficiency upon full implementation of the masterplan. Water sensitive urban design measures treat stormwater from upstream catchments, re-use water for non-potable purposes and re-establish the natural water cycle.
AECOM Design + Planning was appointed as lead consultant on the project and in this role managed the team to ensure the delivery of all relevant statutory requirements in relation to relevant Commonwealth and State Legislation and Gold Coast City Council Planning Scheme provisions.
The approach to the planning demonstrates a strong understanding of the site and its natural and urban context; overlaying the two in a language that characterises the city’s interface with its coastal edge. The parkland is structured in a linear north-south direction, moving sequentially through spaces of varying character and spatial quality, while transitioning in character from east to west from coastal to urban in the application of the materials palette.
The design draws on natural and urban cues, creating a place that is both legible and functional, while being layered in the sculptural and poetic. Bold geometric forms frame up the major gathering spaces and circulation routes, while dunal landforms and planting enclose more intimate spaces. Every opportunity is taken to reveal to the user the story of the site and its natural setting.
In partnering with the Gold Coast City Council in the design of the master plan, we have been able to continually push the boundaries of design and assist in the delivery of this world class parkland. Our project team has extensive experience in finding solutions that surprise and excite whilst being grounded firmly in the achievable, and understand that innovative solutions must also be practical.
This is demonstrated through best practice WSUD initiatives, water cycle management, renewable energy initiatives, reinstatement of natural processes on site, multi-dimensional and iconic built form, recycled-material furniture suite and a historical interpretive signage strategy.
introduction / overview / images / location / Qld-Projects
2010
