Sensitivity and understanding of the Bremer River's significance to Ipswich and its residents enabled AECOM to transform a once neglected river edge into the heart of the city. As lead design consultants for the $5 million project, AECOM recognized and harnessed the social and geographic importance of the river to revitalize it from an underutilized and unsightly urban river precinct into a vibrant, multi-use public space.
AECOM's design team was responsible for all work, from the original masterplan to the final product. Key features of the Parklands include terraces, boardwalks, jetties and walkways through a replanted and rejuvenated river's edge; collapsible and removable handrails for sections of boardwalk to reduce damage to structures caused in the event of flooding; new shelters, picnic facilities, toilets and seating; a 180-square meter water feature, which operates on recycled water; a small-scale wetland to encourage localized opportunities, such as faunal access to freshwater; simple, robust, and cost-effective historical interpretative panels and directional signage; and open and legible landscape design that includes video surveillance to improve access and safety.
