PROJECTS   >   URBAN DESIGN

OPEN SPACE STUDY
The Southern Renewal Areas
In collaboration with CRED Consulting

Location: Southern Renewal Areas (including Green Square and Ashmore Precinct)
Client: City of Sydney
Project dates: 2013 - 2014

The City of Sydney commissioned Gallagher Studio and CRED Consulting to undertake a review of existing and proposed open space in the southern urban renewal areas in the city, including Green Square and the Ashmore Precinct in Erskineville. The study area is undergoing rapid transition, from a light industrial area to mixed use precincts. A culturally diverse mix of residents are moving to the area including those speaking Mandarin and Cantonese. Increasing proportions of children (0 to 11 years) are living in medium and high density dwellings alongside working and elderly residents, placing new demands on inner city parks. The study aimed to not only assess the amount of open space, but the facilities and uses appropriate for this rapidly changing inner city precinct.

The approach taken by the team has been to assess not only the implications of the changing social, cultural and economic profile of residents but to explore new opportunities for open space design. Detailed park audits were undertaken alongside research into urban open space trends globally. The study provided a broad strategic open space framework accompanied by recommendations for detailed park facilities.

The team recognised that there are limitations to the amount of open space in the city, and that new and existing parks have to work harder to meet the needs of these communities. Key recommendations include redesigning  left over street, lanes  and service corridors as supplementary open spaces, designing flexible park spaces that accommodate a range of activities that foster relationships between residents and developing a mobile play “kit of parts” that provides facilities for older children in parks across the precinct.