AROUND THE BEND

An old industrial site is transformed into a vibrant new parkland, a first for the burgeoning precinct of Fishermans Bend.

Located to the south of the Yarra River within the City of Port Phillip and City of Melbourne precincts, Fishermans Bend is undergoing a renaissance as one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects. Covering 480 hectares, by 2050 this area will house approximately 80,000 residents and provide jobs for up to 80,000 people.

Operating within a framework that spans the next 30 years, plans for the development and construction of a network of parks, schools, roads, transport and community facilities within Fishermans Bend are already underway. Delivering one of the area’s first public greenspaces, Kirrip Park, PTA Landscapes was engaged as head contractor for this ground-breaking project.

Responsible for the construction of the park, PTA Landscapes undertook demolition and earthworks, brick and concrete pavement construction, metal work, fencing, planting, rock work, concrete and gabion retaining wall development, in addition to drainage and electrical services. In beautifying the space, the company sourced and installed street furniture, added timber work, and completed irrigation to ensure the longevity of the landscaping. The company was also contracted to continue ongoing maintenance for the site.

As an expansive open space designed for the community to gather and recreate, after much community consultation, the park was named Kirrip, which means friendship or mate in the Boonwurrung language.

Originally a vast hunting ground for the First Nation’s people who identify as speakers of Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung languages, it became a fishing settlement for British and European colonists in the 19th century, before eventually being developed into an industrial region for shipping, defence and industry in the 20th century. Today, Fishermans Bend is slowly being reconnected physically and figuratively to the heart of Melbourne through projects like Kirrip Park.

A paved forecourt of Australian and Chinese bluestone with brick feature inlays creates an inviting entrance to the park, while four lawn areas offer visitors plenty of space to sprawl. LED lighting, inbuilt seating of concrete and timber and native garden beds make the space an aesthetically rich environment, with paved paths providing ease of navigation across and through the space.

“The Kirrip Park project is sensitive to the social and cultural context and will play a key role in the making of a new active community, providing a wide range of flexible-use spaces for a diversity of users. The scale of the open space is fitting for the growing community and school users that inhabit the surrounding areas,” claims Mariano Lopez, Principal landscape architect, Tract Consultants.

A landmark placemaking project, Kirrip Park is a boon to the precinct and a benchmark for future projects in the area. “PTA Landscapes was delighted to be a part of the build and we are extremely proud of the product we have produced. We look forward to watching the park grow and the community’s interaction with the greenspace,” claimed Andrew Wilson, PTA Landscapes Director.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Port Phillip
Location Fishermans Bend, Victoria
Landscape Design Tract Consultants
Principal Consultant Hayball
Landscape Contractor PTA Landscapes
Photography Nathan Jacobs Photography