A draft masterplan for Cockatoo Island has been unveiled, with the proposal seeking to attract more visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage listed site through the establishment of a hotel, artificial reefs, increased food and beverage offerings, a public swimming pool and immersive light shows.
Tyrrell Studio, with support from land managers Harbour Trust developed the draft masterplan for Sydney Harbour’s largest island, which is now on public exhibit. The planning documents propose a revitalization of the island to increase its appeal to sightseers.
Cockatoo Island, known as Wareamah in Dharug language, was historically used as incarceration. The site was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, yet according to the Harbour Trust, visitation rates have remained low.
Feedback collated during the consultation phase identified a desire for better accommodation including the construction of a hotel and improved camping facilities. The draft plan states hotel accommodation “remains a long-term aspiration” for the trust as it would provide a unique, heritage-laden tourism experience in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Master planning has recommended assessment of the land and current buildings on site for conversion purposes, in line with this long-term goal.
A campground, suitable for tents, currently operates on the island, however, plans suggest the camping area relocate to the west of its current location, enabling the northern apron to be transformed into communal parkland. Initial plans have also recommended broadening camping options through the addition of cabin-style accommodation. Boutique accommodation is currently at the disposal of island visitors, however the trust has proposed more houses be restored so additional boutique offerings can be made available.
In addition to the expansion of current accommodation services, high-end food and beverage outlets have been suggested. The draft master plan states “a range of new food and beverage outlets can be included from the earliest stages of reactivation, with the master plan providing spaces to accommodate leasing to, and final fit outs by, highly experienced operators.”
Circulation and accessibility around the island was highlighted as needing improvement. To address this, plans suggest the introduction of more frequent ferry services, as well as the construction of a new ferry wharf, which would be strategically positioned to provide direct access to key heritage structures such as the Convict Workshop and Fitzroy Dock. To enhance circulation, the integration of looped walkways have been put forward.
“To help navigate this complex terrain the lower loop would offer clear and easy access around the island following the original edge. To better connect to the upper loop two new lifts and two new staircases are proposed. The upper loop will circulate visitors around the island taking in the most significant convict heritage and harbour view lookouts,” the draft masterplan states.
“In the design phase, all circulation paths will be reviewed with the intention that they are inclusive and barrier free for people with disability. The draft masterplan also proposes an overall interpretive and wayfinding strategy that introduces the layers of natural and cultural heritage, and supports orientation soon after arrival.”
The draft masterplan has reflected a desire to improve access points along the northern apron slipway for small non-powered recreational vessels such as kayaks and canoes.
The activation of the island through historical and cultural activities has been underscored, with plans for immersive light and sound shows telling the story of the island’s history, site specific art commissions, event and function spaces, artificial reefs to rehabilitate biodiversity and support marine life, boat trips, new parkland with access to the water for harbour swimming, and a drained Fitzroy Dock enabling island-goers to walk inside what is Australia’s last remaining dry dock constructed by convicts.
Feedback on the draft proposal will be accepted until 13 December, 2023. The Harbour Trust has advised it anticipates the finalized masterplan will be published in 2024.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
