Details of the competition-winning design for Bradfield Central Park in Sydney’s west have been revealed as the state-significant development goes on exhibition.
An Aspect Studios-led team won the design competition in December 2023 with a scheme that honours Country, celebrates new and old knowledge, embodies natural beauty and intricate qualities of the Cumberland Plain.
The team also includes architect Collins and Turner, cultural consultant Jayne Christian (Baramadagal woman of the Dharug Nation), curatorial collaborator Emily McDaniel (Wiradjuri), artist Janet Laurence, structural engineer Eckersley O’Callaghan, and lighting designer Steensen Varming.
The two-hectare park is set to become the heart of Bradfield City Centre. To be located adjacent to Bradfield metro station, the park will be a gathering place and a welcoming point for visitors. Bradfield City Centre will develop in tandem with the new Western Sydney International Airport.
“We are excited to support the NSW Government in the delivery of this first key piece of the public domain at the heart of Bradfield,” said Tamara Donnellan, studio director at Aspect Studios. “It will be the green heart, where people can breathe, re-energise and immerse themselves in Country. It will set the tone for Australia’s first 22nd Century city.”
The design comprises three key elements that respond to the cultural values of Traditional Custodians and intends to strike a balance between nature, discovery, authentic cultural practice:
- a forested edge, in deference the Cumberland Plains setting, which will provide shade with a layer of canopy and rich understory planting;
- a “Skyring,” the defining element of the park, which will frame the sky as well as delineate a special clearing among the forest, which will be made from reclaimed timber with a reflective soffit;
- and “caring for water” expressed through natural creeks and ponds.
A second clearing on the opposite side of the park will form the Gathering Green for large-scale events.
The Interwoven Heart will be the central social space of the park. Co-designed with a team of Dharug weavers, the space will celebrate the ongoing cultural creative practice of weaving through a series of woven shelters and play spaces.
“Central Park will be a high-quality urban amenity at the heart of Bradfield City Centre,” said Jennifer Westacott, chair of the Western Parkland Authority. “We’re delivering a beautiful and sustainable landmark city space that is going to be a gathering place for the people of Western Sydney for generations to come.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
