Cambridge Street Reserve Expansion

Cambridge Street Expansion Project is a small park in Collingwood – a suburb increasing in density and with limited open space. The Project included the road closure of Cambridge St and extension of the park into the street, increasing the parks size from 850sqm to 2008sqm. Referencing the area’s history as a wool stock yard, and later as a textiles district, Urban Initiatives decided to collaborate with an artist who could speak more directly to members of the park’s community to help give the park its voice. Early engagement of an artist was essential to integrate the narrative into the landscape and achieve a cohesive and wholistic outcome. We invited a number of artists to submit an Expression of Interest and creatively discuss the project. This culminated in the engagement of the talented and experienced sculptor and artist William Eicholtz.

The design response is a relaxed and inviting garden space with a large lawn area, deep garden beds and seating opportunities amongst tall shade trees, woven with artistic elements. It is a flexible space for both intimate and casual interactions, where people of all ages can congregate and kids can run around and play. It’s a backyard for the community!

The central lawn area provides respite from the urban environment. Its use is flexible, providing both passive and active recreational opportunities. The slope at one end facilitates more dynamic use (lounging for adults, rolling for kids) and gives presence to the park by disrupting the lineal flow of the street.