We began in 2010 with an idea to build a public domain for the Barangaroo Precinct which at a primary level, dedicated a broad public foreshore promenade connecting north to south. We believe that the existing promenade should be retained, connecting the Reserve to the new Ferry Terminal. In this drawing which we call our “One Park” plan you can see how the foreshore promenade connects all three of the Barangaroo areas with their specific adjacencies: A naturalistic promenade at Barangaroo Reserve, A civic promenade at Central Barangaroo, and an urban interpretation at Barangaroo South.
With the idea of ”One Park” it is important for the Barangaroo Precinct that the material vocabulary and scale is consistent but transitions in form, from a Naturalistic condition to an Urban condition. Barangaroo Reserve is a framework made of Native Sydney sandstone, and Native Sydney planting. We believe that it is vitally important that Harbour Park is composed as a more civic expression of these materials. With our original Barangaroo Reserve design team we entered a wonderful journey of discovery about the limits of using these materials in their most robust form.
The Harbour Park design is composed of an event plaza in the foreground which is slightly depressed, but flat, allowing for unobstructed views east to west between Barangaroo Avenue and Wulugul Walk and the Harbour. At the north is a Midden mound that rises up to Nawi Cove creating a stunning prospect looking out to the Harbour, and back towards the event plaza. From this vantage point Harbour Park fits seamlessly with Barangaroo Reserve.
In this view you can see the design for Wulugul Walk at Barangaroo Central and the continuity that we have intended, forming the seamless boundary of the park. The heavily planted Midden mound will be the backdrop for the park as it gradually opens up towards the south at the event plaza, thereby transitioning Barangaroo Reserve to Harbour Park at the northern edge.