By Glen Power | 3 Apr 2018

Just three years ago the region was torn apart by Tropical Cyclone Marcia. Now, Rockhampton Riverside is a world-class recreational space for all to enjoy.

Led by Design Director Glen Power, Urbis partnered with the Rockhampton Regional Council to deliver the project from idea through to an award-winning community place. Glen and team completed the master planning, schematic, design and construction documentation for the project.

“Urbis and the consultant team are truly proud of what has been achieved. The project has – from day one – been an extremely rewarding and enriching process,” said Mr Power.

The vision was to create a truly amazing place for the people of Rockhampton. Urbis’ design will revitalise and activate Rockhampton’s iconic riverside precinct by establishing a high-quality public realm space that will be widely celebrated and used by the community.

Incorporating playground areas, river lookouts, shaded walkways and gathering spaces, the waterfront design is complementary to the newly redeveloped Quay and Denham Streets – featuring high-quality roads, granite and sandstone paving, modern street furniture, coloured lighting and enhanced security.

The rejuvenated recreation space has full Wi-Fi connectivity through a series of custom-designed smart poles. The project also features a new pier structure with restaurant and amenities designed by Woods Bagot, renewed garden beds, public art installations, a water play area including an illuminated pop-jet plaza, a five-metre wide digital water wall and misters.

The project recently received a commendation at the Minister’s Award for Urban Design 2018. The jury celebrated the high-quality material outcomes of the realised Quay Street development. Moreover, the jury applauded the delivery of a pedestrian and cycle-friendly streetscape and a new civic focus within the heart of the city.

Mr Power commented, “As city shapers, we are blessed with opportunities to create public spaces for people.

“Through the Riverbank project, the Council, the design team and the Contractors have created a place of celebration, a place of enjoyment and a place for creating memories. We can’t wait to see the positive impact that the Riverbank will have on the people of Rockhampton.”