PROJECTS   >   PARKS AND URBAN SPACES

ST LEONARDS PARK MASTERPLAN & UPGRADE
In collaboration with Collins & Turner Architects, CRED and Alluvium

Location: North Sydney
Client: North Sydney Council
Project dates: 2016 - 2021

Winner 2021 Landscape Architecture Award , NSW Institute of Landscape Architects

St Leonards Park is one of the oldest parks in Sydney. Located on top of a ridge with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the park is an item of state significance, a rare example of a largely intact Victorian era park.  The park surrounds North Sydney Oval, a cricket ground established in 1867. In recent years, the park has come under pressure from increased demand.

North Sydney Council engaged Gallagher Studio to prepare a landscape master plan and upgrade works for the park. The carefully crafted and sensitive plan addresses conflicts, balances competing demands and protects the park’s unique features.

The forecourt, at the entry to the historic Duncan Thompson Stand was redesigned as a new square with a grove of closely planted palm trees. New lighting highlights the building’s richly textured heritage façade while circular red benches and red ‘seamed’ tree grates pay homage to the many games of cricket played at the field. Tunks Way, the fig lined axial path was reconceived as a commemorative walk, with an expanded path, low gardens, new seating, and lighting. The walk links the War memorial on the ridge to a relocated WW1 Field Gun in the valley on Falcon Street. A line of light columns, partially painted in red, evokes the solemn procession of war and memory.