Master Plan Heirisson Island

Artist: Andy Goldsworthy

heirisson island

sculpture park master plan report june 2008

Vision Statement Perth is ready...

The time has come to bring ‘art in the environment’ to a new level of sophistication. Heirisson Island is to become a major attraction, freely available to residents and visitors to Perth - a place of delicate environmental detail, of indigenous interpretation and celebration, and of exemplary outdoor sculpture.

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park

This Masterplan presents an idea for the development of Heirisson Island. It is a starting point for discussion. Inevitably, the plan will

evolve based on consultation and environmental considerations. In particular, the contribution

of the local Aboriginal groups associated with the area will be highly valued in the refinement and enrichment of the design

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park

Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

Introduction

4

Aims and Outcomes

5

Project Background

6

Physical Context

7

The Forming of an ‘Island’

8

Aboriginal Cultural Context

9

The City’s Cultural Context

10

The Masterplan

11

- Creating the Vision -Features of the Masterplan 9.0 10.0

Visitor / Interpretive Centre

24

Moving Forward

27

- Staging Program - Progressing the Project 11.0

Funding and Management Partnerships

34

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

3

1.0

Introduction

Heirisson Island offers a unique environment with a strategic river location. It has an abundance of inherent qualities, yet its incredible potential remains unrealised.

This 25-hectare island, consisting of open grassed spaces, groves of native trees, reed beds, beaches and inlets, is used primarily by joggers and recreational fishermen. But, for the most part, people pass through this tranquil city oasis by vehicle, having little regard or awareness of its treasures.

But Heirisson Island is now set to be transformed. With its superb city and river views and enviable location adjacent to the CBD, the island is envisaged to become a revitalized, connected parkland, incorporating sculptural artistic works of the highest standard.

4

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park 2.0

Aims and outcomes

•

To create an outstanding sculpture park that is sensitive to its riverine setting.

•

To provide a unique venue for the display of high quality exhibits of international standing.

•

To create a spectacular ‘Gateway’ to the city of Perth.

•

To rejuvenate an under-utilized part of the city with a sustainable, long term plan.

•

To interpret and celebrate the historical and on-going Aboriginal connections to the area.

•

To create a leading tourist destination.

•

To connect different areas of activity around the city and the river.

•

To restore and protect the ecology of the area.

•

To raise the profile of Perth in the national and international arts community.

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

5

3.0

Project Background

Recognising Heirisson Island as an untapped asset, the idea of

6

This Masterplan illustrates how the Guiding Principles of the Heirisson Island Management Plan can be implemented.

The Management Plan makes specific recommendations in relation to:

establishing a world-class sculpture park was proposed by the Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Committee, an independent group

z Cultural significance, z Activity on the land and water, z Access and z Environment

of local artists and professionals. The City of Perth Council has

Heirisson Island is a unique riverside reserve which is close to the city and set with lakes and shady parkland. It has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Perth community and is currently an undervalued cultural and recreational site. Increased use can be supported in a way which protects the island environment through:

supported ‘in principle’ the proposal and further exploration of its feasibility.

5

z Well designed, unobtrusive picnic shelters and facilities, z The separation of wetland habitat areas from high use recreation areas, z Increased tree planting and landscaping to highlight features and views, z Improved access, z Initiatives which make the most of the island’s location and character.

The City of Perth commissioned a Management Plan in 2001.

Small boats mooring in the bay and their passengers wading ashore will reduce the effectiveness of wetland revegetation projects.

A more environmentally sustainable mooring could be created with z A small jetty z Shelters with interpretation and river information z Picnic tables and a path to the public toilets.

If there is a need to accommodate larger boats such as the ferries or river cruise boats, a jetty could be installed close to the deep water channel on the northwest bank of the island.

Increased use of some locations on the island has caused erosion to the banks, reducing the attractiveness of some areas.

These areas could be made more durable and attractive through: z Building of a ‘waved’ retaining wall at the river’s edge, z Shade tree planting and paving of high use areas, z Picnic shelters and information on good angling practices and interpretation of the river environment, z Night time lighting and increased rubbish collection, z Encouraging anglers to carry rubbish out and fish responsibly.

Zone D

A B C D E

park. Essentially, the plan was to guide the upgrading of the facilities and the development of further low impact recreation

Plan serves as a foundation for the development of this new Masterplan Plan.

11

wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area. knoll and surrounding woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area.

CA

5

US

Proposed pedestrian bridge from Point Fraser.

0

9

40

60

80

100

metres

4

8

20

Views into Heirisson Island from the Causeway are screened, reducing the effect of the island as a gateway to Perth City.

A higher profile for the site as one of only two islands on the Swan River and an entry point to Perth could be achieved through: z Opening up tree lined views into the island, z Providing glimpses of the river for motorists and cyclists on the Causeway, z Landscaping the verges to provide colorful entries to the island and city beyond, z Lighting selected features of the island at night, such as uplighting tree trunks.

12 R I V E R

Zone A

7

2

2

information to enable the design to be thoroughly developed, and

6

AY

4

2007/08. Throughout the process Urbis has pro actively sought

developments.

EW

Views from the island to Swan River landmarks could be opened out and framed.

This could be achieved by: z Planting to frame long views to Mt Elisa, South Perth, McCallum park, Burswood Park East Perth and Point Fraser, z Providing vantage points at the river’s edge and on hill tops for visitors, z Placing seats and picnic shelters with scenic views in mind.

S W A N

Urbis was engaged to prepare this Masterplan and report in

create a masterplan that integrates with these proposed adjacent

Open play space for family activities.

N O RTH

high intensity recreation use and road/service corridor managed as a high impact recreation area.

3

environmentally fragile areas and habitats. The 2001 Management

East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s “Riverside” project, to

Events / performance space for community activities.

Zone E

wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area.

Zone C

outlined measures for the protection and enhancement of

also sought information from the designers for Point Fraser and

Site for new public facilities if a need arises in the future.

landmark hill and grassed woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area.

opportunities. It also highlighted areas prone to damage and

Park Committee, and City of Perth representatives. Urbis has

Overflow or event car park.

The Management Plan also recommends that the island be divided into five broad zones to enable different character and use areas to be managed appropriately. In summary these can be described as:

the Island, it did not fully explore the incorporation of the sculpture

issues. This has involved liaising with the Heirisson Island Sculpture

Kangaroo enclosure fence screened with tree planting.

6

Although this plan made reference to the potential for artworks on

to address current and future management and maintenance

7 8 9 10 11 12

Legend

3 Jetties/Interpretation points

Floating freshwater bird feeders

10

Zone B

1

The natural form of the island has been altered over the years, reducing the amount of wetland habitat available.

Wetlands can be rehabilitated through: z Revegetation of low lying areas with riverine plant species, z Re-introduction of wildlife; such as the black swans, z Removal of weeds and rabbits, z Increased lake areas, z Revegetation of the river banks and reduction of stone ‘rip rap’ areas.

Existing public toilet, refurbished Interpretation shelters Wetland vegetation and habitat Picnic/Interpretation shelters Boardwalks

Riverine vegetation and parkland

Stabilised limestone paths

Existing stone boulder banks

Kangaroo enclosure fence

Sedges and rushes

1

The Aboriginal and European cultural history of Heirisson Island is currently not readily available to the community.

Greater understanding of Heirisson Island’s cultural significance and interpretation of the island could be achieved through: z Signed walking trails, z Shelters with interpretive information, z Guided walks and brochures, z Installations and artworks.

Information on the island’s plants, animals and river environment can also be woven into interpretation trails to add to visitor enjoyment.

Heirisson Island 2001 Masterplan

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park 4.0

Physical Context

Heirisson Island is strategically located at the city’s eastern edge at a narrow neck in the river between East Perth and Victoria Park.

PERTH CBD

E COV

All of these projects house, or are anticipated to house,

EAST PERTH

significant numbers of new residents, all within walking or cycling distance of Heirisson Island. Many of these residents

Rive

rsid

will traverse the island daily when commuting to and from work

T/AS

project.

MON

Belmont Park redevelopment and the East Perth Riverside

BURSWOOD

BEL

K ROO ISEB CLA

such as Burswood Peninsular, Claisebrook Cove, the proposed

COT

The island is centrally located to several ‘development centres’,

D

OO

eD

SW UR

rive

B

in the city.

Ca

The island is also surrounding by high quality public open

PERTH WATER

ew

ay

M LLU CA MC RK PA

space, with Burswood and McCallum Park to the East and Point Fraser and Langley Park to the west.

us

KINGS PARK

HEIRISSON ISLAND

It is accessible by bus and may in future be serviced by a

Alb

any

Hig

hwa

y

light rail system linking Hay St across the island to Burswood Peninsular. There is also great potential, with the increase in gh

wa

y

riverside redevelopment, for the extension of the Swan River Taxi

Ca

SOUTH PERTH

nn

ing

Hi

service to extend and take in Heirisson Island.

Heirisson Island Physical Context

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

7

5.0

The Forming of the Island

Historically, the area consisted of two small islands surrounded by mud flats.

While restricting access through this point in the river, the mudflats assisted crossing between the east and west banks of the river. For this reason, the area was of particular significance to the local Aboriginal people.

The natural crossing point formed part of an important transport route for the establishment of the British colony . In 1842 a toll bridge was constructed over the two islands, close to the location of the existing Causeway. The mudflats were dredged over time to assist passage upriver, resulting in the fusing of the small islands with the dredged material.

By 1900 a single landmass was formed and by 1930 the island had been expanded to its current size through further dredging and the dumping of building rubble and the importing of sand and soil. The existing Causeway was constructed in 1955.

1870

1930

1900

1970

The island however remained an undeveloped site, with the unofficial dumping of waste material continuing until the 1960s. Major landscaping works followed in the late 1970s which transformed the island into a parkland supporting low impact recreational activities.

In 1975 Heirisson Isand was vested in the City of Perth as an A Class Reserve. This 25 hectare island is one of only two islands in the Swan, measuring 1.3km long by 300m at its widest point.

The Causeway, whilst connecting the Albany, Great Eastern and Canning Highways to the Perth CBD, today carries great volumes of traffic and effectively divides the island in two.

8

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park 6.0

Aboriginal Cultural Context

The Heirisson Island area is recognised as being of particular importance to the local Aboriginal community and is registered with the Department of Indigenous Affairs as a site of mythological significance (Site ID 3589).

The area is traditionally associated with the Beeloo Nyungah people who knew the small islands and mud flats as Matagarup, referring to the river as being ‘one leg deep’. The island located between the current causeway bridge was known as Kakaroomup. The Matagarup mud flats were the first major crossing point upriver from the river’s mouth (at Fremantle) and were an important seasonal access way over which the Beeloo Nyungah gave other groups right of passage across the river. The area was also an important food-gathering place, reflected in the traditional name for Point Fraser Beeabbolup, meaning ‘place of many fish’ (From the City of Perth’s 2001 Management Plan).

Though no longer an important food gathering area, the significance of the area has continued for the local people, especially due to its rich mythological associations.

Heirisson Island currently houses a statue of Yagan, a important leader of the Beelair Nyungah at the time of colonisation.

Images Courtesy of Yirra Yaakin

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

9

7.0

The City’s Cultural Context

The main cultural points of Perth – theatres, galleries, museums, etc are distributed over the CBD. Additionally, there many pieces of public art throughout the city area. Festivals and performances are held at temporary venue sites further contribute to the city’s cultural life.

3

King’s Park is a major environmental and cultural focus at the western edge of the city. The park capitalises on its many beautiful spaces and stunning views to host events such as

2

outdoor concerts, performances and cinema on Perth’s sublime

9

summer evenings.

The city is ‘crying out’ for another focus of international standing to mirror King’s Park and thereby ‘book end’ the city at its eastern edge. The Sculpture Park facility at Heirisson Island is perfectly positioned to fulfil this role. It has the potential to

6 1

7

4 8

greatly elevate Perth’s active and growing arts and culture scene, not only in terms of the standard of art on offer, but also

5

as a stunning and easily accessed venue.

Heirisson Island has the potential to respond to the river and

N

the city in a manner unlike any other venue in Perth. It offers a

NTS

physical setting for more immediate and intimate engagement with the Swan River, with all its cultural and environmental attributes.

Cultural Venues

Temporary Venues

1. Kings Park

6. Convention Centre

2. His Majesty’s Theatre

7. Esplanade

3. Cultural Centre

8. Langley Park

4. Concert Hall

9. Wellington Square

5. Heirisson Island

10

Nearby Cultural Precincts

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park 8.0

8.1 8.2

The Masterplan Creating the Vision Features of the Masterplan

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

11

8.1

Creating the Vision

This is an extraordinary and exciting opportunity to create an environment in a prime location that is custom designed for the display

LEGEND 1

Visitor Centre and Facilities

2

Amphitheatre

3

Viewing Terrace

Mass Casuarinas

4

Lookout Towers

Existing Shrub

5

Land Bridge

6

BBQ and Families

7

Re-configured Wetlands

9 8

Installation Garden

9

Temporary Exhibitions

10

Bridge Crossing

11

Interpretive Garden

12

Ferry Drop Off - Primary

13

Ferry Drop Off - Secondary

14

Service and Emergency Access

15

Point Fraser Pedestrian Bridge

16

Pedestrian Bridge Link

17

Light Rail Bridge (future)

18

Existing Underpass

19

Buildings Underneath

20

Light Rail Stop (future)

21

New Underpass

22

Observation Deck

Existing Trees

of and appreciation of fine sculptural artworks.

Proposed Trees

There are many wonderful sculpture parks around the world, some dedicated to specific artists, others to historical or ethnographic works and others to contemporary works. We have a unique ‘natural’ setting that presents opportunities to create places and spaces for art works

Proposed Shrub Planting

that speak to, and of, the environment. The intent is for the island to be easily and freely accessible to the public.

Ornamental Shrub Irrigated Grass Non-Irrigated Gass Wetland Planting Sculptural Element

12

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park

The Plan

2

FUTURE GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT LINK

13

16 17

11

13

11

4

10 7

6

18

POINT FRASER

14 22 15

20 12

16

19 1

5

21

9 7 8

3

7

4 22

N NTS Heirisson Island-Landscape Masterplan

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

13

8.1

Creating the Vision

1. Integrating Art and Landscape

2. Celebrating the Aboriginal Story

The creative integration of art and landscape will result in an

Perth is in dire need of a place where Aboriginal culture is

inspiring and provocative public space.

interpreted and celebrated. This is important not only for the

•

Landform as sculpture –A variety of landscaped spaces will be linked by sculpted landforms that can be read as art in themselves. These sculpted landforms will also serve as vantage points, wind barriers and provide spatial definition.

•

local Aboriginal community itself, but also for the citizens and visitors to Perth, to raise awareness and appreciation of what is an extraordinarily rich culture.

•

– the landscape presents a perfect setting through which

Permanent Works –. The Masterplan provides a framework

interpretations of the Aboriginal story, both historical and

in which both intimate and open spaces can be specially

contemporary, can be delicately interwoven.

designed in greater detail to display specific artworks.

These artworks could respond to the environment - the river,

•

•

regarding their cultural associations with the site will reveal

of exceptional quality are acquired or commissioned over a

opportunities for interpretation. It is recognised that there

long period of time.

may be particular issues of cultural sensitivity – these will be treated respectfully and sympathetically.

Feature Pieces – There are a number of locations in the plan •

The proposal includes formal and informal gathering places

These will serve as markers in the landscape, to be viewed

for story telling and events. There are opportunities to

from a distance.

incorporate story telling journeys on the river. The curvilinear wall to the visitor centre may be a starting point for artworks

Temporary exhibits – A number of areas within the park

that interpret the significance of the site.

have been created as temporary, flexible exhibit spaces.

Delicate, ephemeral art installations could be an ongoing, changing feature throughout the park.

There are a great range of possible synergies that could be

•

The layering of the Aboriginal Story into the very fabric of the design will bring a richness and depth of meaning to the project unprecedented in any development in Perth.

developed with the community, visiting exhibitions, and local

Please refer to pages 37-39 of this report for further discussion

artists. This is a particularly valuable concept for the early years

about issues relating to cultural heritage and consultation.

in the park’s development when the number of permanent artworks may be limited.

•

Performance – The performance spaces within the park allow for another layer of art to be on offer - performance art, puppetry, light shows along with other conventional forms of theatre such as dance, music and film, that utilise the landscape as ‘stage’.

14

It is envisaged that consultation with relevant local groups

the birdlife, the history, etc. It is proposed that pieces of art

that are intended for the installation of defining pieces of art.

•

A facility at Heirisson Island is positioned to play a vital role

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park

3. Strengthening the Sense of ‘Island’ •

Road experience – To heighten awareness of Heirisson as an island, views across water to the island will be created . These views are currently obscured by the heritage listed balustrade on the Causeway bridge. The Masterplan proposes excavation to the south and north sides of the Causeway, potentially opening up views over water beyond the balustrade.

•

Elevation - The proposed raised landform will allow a vantage point from which visitors will be able to view both

4. Giving Recognition to the Original Landform The site was originally a series of islands through the Matagarup mud flats. Over time, the site has been filled to create its current form. The proposal is to resurrect the semblance of the original form by opening the existing water bodies on the site to create water linkages across the island. Access across these water linkages is via bridges, heightening the visitor’s island experience, and retelling a story of history through subtle means.

north and south sides of the island and the surrounding river.

•

Pedestrian experience – As all visitor parking will be relocated off the island, the journey across the river, either over a pedestrian bridge or by boat will, heighten the visitor’s experience of ‘island’.

•

Views onto and off the island – Currently from both the city and the Victoria Park/Burswood side, the island reads as the opposite land mass with little or no sense that it is, in fact an island. The proposal is to create view corridors through, onto and out of the island, so the island can be perceived in the context of, yet separate from the adjacent land mass.

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report

15

5. Enhancing the Natural Environment The project presents many opportunities to enhance the natural environment and to encourage and nurture biodiversity in creative and innovative ways.

•

of waste materials on the island itself should be considered

local indigenous species.

wherever possible.

Sensitive edge treatments to the island’s perimeter, using

is adequate vegetation cover on the island at each stage of

minimising the impact of development.

natural and artificial options;

construction.

Working with the existing topography of the site and

Creating new habitats that support wildlife and promote

Using local plant species both in a natural setting and in

6. Minimising Environmental Impact Minimising the impact on environment is of prime concern, both during construction phases, and also during the operations of the sculpture park once it is established.

Of the highest priority during any of the proposed works will

Artworks that draw inspiration from or assist natural systems,

be the protection of the river. All necessary measures will

and utilise landforms and materials, ie ‘land-based’ artworks

undertaken to mitigate any anticipated adverse effects on water

and ephemeral art installations - a true integration of art and

quality. Use of materials of low environmental impact should

environment.

be carefully considered in the detailed design of the island’s

Of particular environmental significance will be the return of the

features and amenities.

site to a semblance of the original physical form prior to the

The daily operations of the sculpture park should be based on

landfill works. This will enable the rehabilitation and extension of

sound environmental principles:

the existing wetlands in the southern section.

•

Water- Collection of rainwater and the recycling of grey water

These measures will be instrumental in improving the island’s

can be creatively incorporated into the design of particular

‘natural’ environment by replicating natural hydrological and

features of the island. By the installation of water-efficient

ecological systems. Decked walkways are proposed to be

appliances, and by restricting the areas requiring irrigated

located through the wetland to nurture an appreciation of the

grass, water use can be minimised.

environment whilst protecting sensitive habitats.

•

Energy- Opportunities to incorporate renewable energy

NOTE: The majority of the current planting on the island, though

sources should be thoroughly explored. Energy use can be

native, is not indigenous to the local area . As it is intended that

minimised through the use of energy efficient appliances

much of the island’s landscape be restored to a more natural

and lighting.

state, this includes the removal of most of the current planting .

16

intended that even the more ‘formal’ spaces are planted with

technical issues relating to environmental sustainability and

‘ornamental’ gardens; •

design, construction and ongoing management. Recycling

and replanting of vegetation will be gradual, ensuring that there

biodiversity; •

and reeds, that would have existed in the area originally. It is

Please refer to page 34 of this report for more discussion of

enhancing features where appropriate; •

of the island should be mitigated through good quality

As the implementation of the plan is to be staged, the removal

This can be done through: •

This will be replaced with species of trees and bushes, grasses

•

Waste- Waste and pollution generated from the operations