Sandringham Town Square

**Transport and Infrastructure - Commendation**
Sandringham Town Square
Client: Landscape Architect:	City of Bayside Paterson + Pettus Pty Ltd
The Sandringham Town Square project grew out of a study carried out on the whole centre by Paterson + Pettus several years ago prior to this project. The scheme created a clear pedestrian walking and dwelling zone at the confluence of two major roads in Sandringham. The project was greatly influenced by bus movements and the relationship between pedestrians and the terminus of the rail station. The design aims to cater for a variety of different age groups that now use the centre at all hours of the day. The project comprises robust materials that can accept extensive use and offer a variety of pedestrian experiences. Planting, seating and pavements are responsive to the close proximity to salt laden winds that are evident throughout the site. The colours given to the insitu concrete were inspired by the seaside geology exhibited along the Sandringham foreshore. Planting of native grasses, sedges and low shrubs also highlight the proximity to the water. All the seating is constructed as box seats and is made from massive billets of recycled Jarrah from Western Australia. The extensive uses of pedestrian lights bring the area alive at night.

J U R Y ' S C O M M E N T S At a macro planning level, Paterson + Pettus resolved a number of complex circulation issues which went beyond mere spatial design. At a site level, the temptation to create one large space has been avoided resulting in two smaller plazas each serving different user groups. To the front of the shops, elderly residents are provided places to rest and observe while across the bus lane, young people are provided space to 'hang out' or skate. The flexibility of the space is also to be commended given the changing nature of nearby businesses, and future activities that may result from changing demographic profiles. Paterson + Pettus are commended for being successful in shaping urban infrastructure to the benefit of the community of Sandringham.
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