Rockhampton Riverside Precinct
Earning the prestigious Landezine International Landscape Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space at the 2018 Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards, Rockhampton's Riverside precinct stands as a testament to visionary urban design. Crafted to celebrate the natural allure of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), this modern marvel seamlessly integrates with the city's historic heritage-listed buildings, epitomising a harmonious blend of past and present.
Following the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Maria in 2015, the revitalisation of the riverside pier became imperative. Spanning 3.3 hectares of upper and lower parkland, stretching 600 meters along the river, the precinct was a collaborative effort. Our involvement, under the guidance of McMurtrie Consulting Engineers, alongside esteemed partners including Rockhampton Regional Council, Woods Bagot Architects, and Urbis, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Navigating the intricacies of engineering within a flood-prone environment required careful consideration. Our team engineered a resilient bunker room to house essential pump equipment, ensuring functionality even amidst rising waters. Utilising bored piers in the bunker, we fortified structures against the formidable forces of flooding, exemplifying our commitment to safety.
From the cantilevered roof adorned with elegant bends to the strategic repurposing of existing piers to minimise environmental impact, every aspect of the project was carefully curated. Retaining walls along Quay Street and tiered seating further showcase our prowess in structural engineering, seamlessly blending form with function.
Beyond the borders of the Darling Downs, this project serves as a beacon of excellence, transforming Rockhampton's CBD into a vibrant hub. Activating the waterfront as a bustling nexus for commerce, community gatherings, and cultural events, the Riverside precinct stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to shaping landscapes that enrich lives and inspire awe.