Rockingham Foreshore
Completed in 2019 by landscape architects Place Laboratory, in collaboration with TABEC, ETC, MP Rogers and ConsultWG, the revitalisation project has seen Rockingham Foreshore transformed into the centrepiece of the local community.
“The design team worked with the community to understand the natural and cultural character of the site and develop a design narrative to enhance and extend its unique characteristics,” says Anna Chauvel, director at Place Laboratory. “The project vision seeks to connect the city to the sea, create a place of celebration with a relaxed character that is young at heart.”
At such close proximity to the shoreline, the precinct’s number one concern was the future impact of climate change and how, upon integrating environmental strategy into the landscape architecture, solutions could be implemented at all scales. Responding to rising sea levels, the seawall was redesigned to integrate the coastal protection function, and service public recreational needs. Locally, native coastal plants were used to regenerate the dune ecosystem, providing precious urban habitat for wildlife and mitigate future dune erosion. Water sensitive design principals were applied to the streets and adjoining plazas, with water collected in tree wells, garden beds and grassed swales for redistribution.
A playful pattern crafted from UrbanStone’s engineered pavers – selected for their purpose-fit durability and robust nature - forms the base for the Beach Plaza, where custom moveable furniture staggered along tiered levels, coated in bright colours and formed from hardy materials that can stand up to the harsh coastal breeze, act as a welcoming place for passers-by to take in the serene views. “Their playful form, sparking imagination from children, who seem to find multiple ways of interacting with them,” says Chauvel.
Beyond the brightly hued umbrellas, the foreshore opens up to a large sweeping lawn along the Railway Terrace vista. Replete with ample seating and plenty of space to picnic, play and take in the coastal views, the lawn amphitheatre forms a second event space for summer movie nights and performances.
Further along, a public art project by Djurandi Dreaming artists Justin Martin, Biara Martin and Cheryl Martin weaves together three stories describing the ongoing connection between the Noongar people with the regional environment - an initiative that will be continued in the coming stages of the project.
According to Chauvel, the project has been catalytic in reinvigorating the local economy and vibrancy of Rockingham Foreshore. Railway Terrace, the Beach Plaza and Boardwalk now buzz with activity, day and night.
“This revitalisation is grounded in community values,” says Chauvel. “It’s an excellent example of a place-based approach to design thinking and its application to destination planning and, how design can create imaginative places for people.”
“The project vision seeks to connect the city to the sea, create a place of celebration with a relaxed character that is young at heart.”
“The project vision seeks to connect the city to the sea, create a place of celebration with a relaxed character that is young at heart.”
- This is rich, beautifully textured, natural stone sourced from some of the finest quarries. Combined with a high strength concrete matrix, they feature a collection of great blends that are recognised for being in major projects across the country.
Learn about our products.
Join us at an event.
