Situated along the Yarra River in Docklands, Seafarers Rest is a 3,500-square-metre public waterfront park that forms a key component of the broader Seafarers redevelopment. Designed as a vibrant civic landscape that celebrates the site’s maritime past while supporting contemporary urban life, the project introduces open lawns, pedestrian connections and welcoming gathering spaces along the river’s edge. At the heart of this carefully crafted public realm is a suite of bespoke street furniture supplied by StraBe, designed to echo the industrial heritage of the historic port precinct.
StraBe partnered with ASPECT Studios to deliver the custom streetscape for Seafarers Docklands, creating integrated seating and public realm elements designed to support high-use urban environments while complementing the architectural language of the precinct. Inspired by the timber shipping crates that once moved through Melbourne’s docks, the seating pieces reinterpret these utilitarian forms as contemporary urban furniture. Their robust yet refined presence creates a tangible link between the precinct’s industrial past and its new life as a gathering place.
Materiality played a central role in achieving this connection. The design combines warm Blackbutt timber with precision-engineered stainless-steel framing, delivering durability while introducing natural texture and colour into the landscape. The choice of materials ensures the furniture performs in the waterfront environment while maintaining a high-end aesthetic consistent with the broader redevelopment.
The furniture was carefully integrated into the park’s spatial layout, creating moments for pause and reflection throughout the open space. Positioned alongside walking routes, lawn areas and riverfront outlooks, the seating invites visitors to sit, gather and engage with the surrounding landscape. This subtle integration ensures the furniture supports the flow of movement through the site without disrupting the openness of the park.
One of the defining elements of the precinct is the historic travelling crane, which stands as a powerful reminder of Docklands’ maritime legacy. StraBe’s furniture design responds directly to this landmark, complementing the industrial character of the crane and reinforcing the narrative of the site through contemporary design.
Further enhancing the experience of the space is the integration of LED lighting within the broader lighting masterplan. Subtle illumination highlights the seating and surrounding landscape after dark, ensuring the park remains welcoming and accessible throughout the evening.
Through thoughtful collaboration with the project team, StraBe has delivered street furniture that goes beyond function. By drawing on the site’s rich maritime history and translating it into durable, site-specific design, the company has contributed to a waterfront park that honours the past while supporting a dynamic new chapter for Docklands’ public realm.
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PROJECT PARTICULARS
CLIENT City of Melbourne
LOCATION Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria
ARCHITECT Oculus
STREET FURNITURE StraBe
