City of Sydney Council has appointed Aboriginal-owned design practice, Yerrabingin, to lead the next stage of its Redfern Neighbourhood Parks renewal.
The initiative is set to enhance three pivotal community spaces: the Redfern Community Centre Open Space, Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve. The parks are co-located in the heart of the inner-city neighbourhood, nationally known for its Aboriginal history and cultural activism.
Yerrabingin senior associate, Simon Trick said the practice recognises its responsibility in developing the project alongside the local community.
“Redfern has a significant legacy in the Aboriginal civil rights movement,” says Mr Trick, noting its importance to Aboriginal people from outside the area as well as within.
“For people coming to the city, Redfern is known as a safe place from a cultural perspective, so we need to understand those stories.”
An extensive community engagement process by the Council established the concept design, envisioned by locals as a trio of green, cool spaces for recreation and play that celebrate the area’s Aboriginal culture and history.
Yerrabingin’s work will address urban heat and increase biodiversity to invite in birds, bees and other non-human kin. The practice’s nearby work on the South Eveleigh Native Rooftop Farm will serve as a reference.
Mr Trick says Yerrabingin’s established co-design process will support the continued input of community members at every stage of design and delivery.
“As Redfern densifies and new residents arrive, people of all ages use these parks as their backyard,” he says.
“Design, program and stories will reflect the present community’s aspirations and values whilst retaining a strong connection to Redfern’s Indigenous cultural heritage.”
The project scope includes a playground and larger, more functional multi-purpose open space for the Redfern Community Centre Open Space, and an upgrade to the Hugo Street Reserve basketball court.
“We look forward to designing with Country to support social and cultural cohesion and ensure these parks meet current and future community needs as Redfern evolves,” said Mr Trick.
Yerrabingin has extensive experience in merging Indigenous wisdom and contemporary design in the built and natural environment, on projects including Barangaroo Harbour Park and the nearby Sydney Metro Waterloo Station.
