A South Australian council has endorsed concept designs for a $34 million transformation of the town’s riverfront.
Landscape architecture practice Aspect Studios and architecture practices Terroir and Mulloway are leading design development for the Sturt Reserve project, which will deliver new recreation, play and historic precincts for Murray Bridge.
Sturt Reserve redevelopment concept designs by Aspect Studios, Terroir and Mulloway.
The designs seek to improve connections to the river, provide better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians and help create “meaningful experiences” for tourists and locals by re-connecting with the Indigenous and post-colonial history of the site.
The historic wharf will be upgraded, with new docking facilities built along with a visitor centre and café. “The Sturt Reserve riverfront has a number of existing excellent hstorical elements that can and should inform the design of any new elements that are inserted into the context,” state the design team.
In the play precinct, a lightweight pontoon structure will create a river pool of sorts, connected to an expansive “discovery labyrinth” with climbing wall, slides and nature play elements.
And in the recreation area, a new architectural shade canopy and arbour will sit at the centre of an expanded community space with a new kayaking area and upgraded parks.
The Sturt Reserve Masterplan Design Development, endorsed by councillors on 13 September, follows the endorsement of the Sturt Reserve Masterplan in 2017. That masterplan was prepared by GHD and GHD Woodhead.
