RECLAIMING RIVERSIDE PARK WITH CUSTOM CONCEPT DESIGNS

by Draffin Street Furniture

Phase two of the Alpine Shire Council’s ‘Alpine Better Places’ project was to revamp the town centre of Porepunkah utilising ASC’s custom design concept. The aim was to provide a good level of services while maintaining a relaxed and rural town atmosphere. Bordering the Ovens River and one of the main stops on the popular Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, the ASC wanted to create a safe, functional and bike-friendly environment for residents and visitors alike.

The transformation of Nicholson Street’s streetscape, shopfronts and Riverside Park included a market square overlooking the Ovens River. Improved amenities, such as barbecues and picnic facilities have been added to this area, as well as drinking fountains and bike racks to accommodate cyclists passing through town.

The ASC commissioned Draffin Street Furniture to manufacture picnic furniture suitable for the redevelopment of the town centre. Feedback from the local community explained what they wanted from the furniture: “Keep it natural, not the urban look. Village concept to stay – no city aspects. We like it the way it is”. The ASC’s landscape architectural team developed concept designs for bespoke outdoor furniture that fitted the ‘country village’ brief. Draffin’s engineering team worked alongside the architectural team to refine the designs into working models.

Settled in the 1830s, Porepunkah is an old gold mining town nestled at the bottom of Mount Buffalo. With an history of agriculture, including tobacco, hops, vineyards and timber plantations, it was imperative that ASC’s concept designs maintained the ‘country town’ feel of Porepunkah.

THE FURNITURE

Fabricated from 6mm-thick weathering steel and solid spotted gum timber battens, the table settings, benches and seats are low maintenance and extremely hard wearing. Weathering steel has a distinctive coating of orange patina that protects the solid steel from corrosion, environmental change and vandalism. Spotted gum timber was chosen for its ability to withstand harsh climates. The natural characteristics and long lifespan make weathering steel and spotted gum ideal choices for outdoor furniture in country towns.

The benches and table settings along Nicholson Street provide extra seating for the bars and restaurants lining the street. Furniture in Riverdale Park is scattered throughout the lawn and barbecue area, providing ample space for group gatherings.

The completed custom suite of weathering steel outdoor furniture integrates perfectly with Porepunkah’s enhanced streetscape and riverside parkland. The ASC’s modern designs maintain Porepunkah’s small country town integrity, blending seamlessly with the surroundings and allowing the picturesque Ovens River and Mount Buffalo to shine.

Council | Alpine Shire Council ‘Alpine Better Places’ Project – Porepunkah

Products | Picnic Settings, Bench Seats, Seats, Bike Racks.

Designer | Alpine Shire Landscape Architectural Team



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