Zhipeng Cai Associate
Zhi is an experienced Associate Landscape Architect with a background working in both the academic and practice sides of landscape […]
Transforming Albury's riverfront precinct: A community gathering place on land and water
GroupGSA was commissioned by Albury City Council to undertake the re-design and documentation of the Albury Riverside Precinct in Albury, located on the northern side of the New South Wales and Victorian border, separated by the Murray River.
The Team:
In 2007 Albury City Council launched the ‘Murray River Experience’ Masterplan to reimagine the City’s relationship to the river. One of its key objectives was for central Albury Riverside Parks to be revitalised to create a new Riverside Precinct.
GroupGSA began its involvement in the project in 2019, with the aim of transforming the precinct into a popular destination for tourists and locals. Whilst respecting its context to the greater public realm, our landscape architects engaged stakeholders and members of the community to ensure the re-design met the needs of short and long-stay visitors, river craft users, recreation through the Wagirra Trail, and for those visiting the precinct for specific events.
Since its official opening in October 2023, the precinct has strengthened the relationship between the Albury community, the central business district (CBD) and the Murray River, providing a place to gather, host community events and markets, and allow visitors to enjoy recreational activities. It is anticipated that the revitalised precinct will provide opportunities for future development and support surrounding facilities and venues.
The new precinct runs alongside the Murray River up to Bungambrawatha Creek and boasts an elevated fully inclusive boardwalk. The design also incorporated a canoe launch platform, a floating pontoon, designated river viewing points, BBQ/picnic spots, shaded areas, ample parking, well-lit spaces, attractive landscaping, and interconnected pathways from Hovell Tree Park to the Albury Swim Centre.
The brief required a design that would unite the Riverfront, Western Peninsula, and Hovell Tree Park into one cohesive space with three distinct yet interconnected sub-destinations.
The Wagirra walking trail located within the precinct spans from the Peninsula past the riverfront, round to Hovell Tree Park and beyond.
The Riverfront along Hovell Tree Drive to Hovell Tree Park now presents a fresh venue for community gatherings and weekend markets, whilst promoting active pastimes such as walking and cycling.
This improved pathway provides a more convenient link to other parts of the foreshore, including Noreuil Park.
The Western Peninsula is the main connection to the waterway of the Murray River and features a canoe launch and elevated boardwalk leading out to a viewing point.
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