The rejuvenation of Bourke Street Park

Sweeping upward to allow in air and light, the amenities block’s roof is a 6mm thick steel folded plane supported by two circular steel posts

In tackling an unattractive amenities block, a fine line had to be walked in balancing the needs of Sydney’s residents and its homeless

Photography: Richard Glover

The walls of the amenities block are lined with broken tiles which are tough, difficult to graffiti, easy to repair and in a way, an apt metaphor

Small and derelict, the railway viaduct of Bourke Street Park provides both leisure space for Sydney’s residents, and shelter for its homeless community. While everyone wanted something done to improve it, the council had to balance demands of concerned residents with the needs of the local homeless community that used the park 24 hours a day.

A new play area with colourful paving and structures helped to create a lighter, brighter, more colourful and useful space for local residents and their children. Grassy areas have been provided, allowing people to sunbathe, relax or sleep on a good day. A community garden with a pergola, potting area and storage area are also a part of the new park.

The siting of the Bourke Street amenities block was constrained by the viaduct, the community garden and some existing trees that were to be preserved. Its layout was generated by the need to provide an entrance to the garden, an accessible toilet and a storage room and potting bench and trough for the park’s gardeners.

The construction of the amenities block also needed to be robust, easy to clean and durable. Concrete block walls and a very thin steel roof ensure that they are not dark or dank, thanks to penetration of ample air, sunlight and rain to clean and aerate the space.

Project: Bourke Street Park Location: Sydney, Australia Client: City of Sydney Council Architects: Chris Elliott Architects | https://chriselliottarchitects.com/ Head consultant and landscape architects: Terragram