Urban renewal in Qld

Three Councils were among the winners in the recent Queensland Design Awards presented by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Brisbane, Bundaberg and Logan City Councils featured in Awards for projects which have enhanced their built and natural environments.

The Awards highlight the expanding importance and diversity of the role of landscape architects in contributing to the visual, social and economic enhancement of local areas.

“Key issues including planning, designing new communities, streetscapes and urban design to provide better, more enjoyable shopping and working environments,” said Graeme Harvison, Chairman of Judges.

Brisbane City Council’s Landscape Section took out the Civic Design and Design of Urban Spaces Award for its Mitchelton Suburban Centre Improvement Project.

“The scheme is a successful product of extensive community participation in the design process, with the result being a well integrated streetscape,” Graeme Harvison said. “The design addressed many issues, including public safety, robustness of materials and the integration of individual and unique placemaking features.”

Wider footpaths, traffic calming build outs, and hand made, hardwood and metal grape vine trellises have been erected along Blackwood Street, creating shade and the rural feel of the area. In addition, Brisbane’s Landscape Architecture Section won the Landscape Master Plans Award for its Newfarm, Teneriffe and Newstead Riverside Masterplan.

Bundaberg’s Bourbong Street development designed by Terrain Pty Ltd won the merit award. Council and the community benefited from the Company’s solution to address declining usage and commercial activity in the City with a 40 percent increase in inner city parking and renewed shopping interest.

Students from Queensland University of Technology, who worked in conjunction with Logan City Council’s on its main street program, won the Student Design Award.

For further information on these Awards contact Scott Taylor, telephone (07) 3252 1977.