FORESHORE FUN

A public space with industrial appeal, East Shores Precinct is a good fit for its waterfront location and unlocking the area’s full potential.

With a view to sustaining the site’s historical heritage, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) engaged landscape design and construction firm Penfold Projects to construct a world-class recreational precinct that would become a drawcard for locals and visitors to this iconic waterfront destination.

The Gladstone region has long been a popular tourist spot, presenting all the best Queensland has to offer in climate and conviviality. Now it’s got even more! Stage 1B of East Shores Precinct, which spans Flinders Parade, offers a water-play park, boardwalk with viewing platform, barbecues and open greenspace for play and exercise.

Part of an ongoing scheme initiated by GPC, Australia’s premier multi-commodity port enterprise, this revived open space is part of the company’s commitment to “growth, prosperity and the community.” Under development since 2016, East Shores Precinct is now fully complete and open to the public. “We are committed to contributing in a positive way to local communities in the regions in which we operate, to foster sustainable development and share the socio-economic benefits from our operations,” claims GPC.

“We take great pride in providing social infrastructure for the region, such as the recreation and parkland facilities at the Gladstone Marina and East Shores Precinct.”

The upgraded recreation area reflects an industrial aesthetic that pays homage to its strong maritime history and is both culturally appropriate and fun. Working in close collaboration with the client, and utilising local suppliers and labour in order to boost the local economy and ensure community harmony, Penfold Projects created vast turfed areas and planted zones that added plenty of lush greenlife to the waterfront project. TifTuf sporting turf was utilised to create a durable open space, while subtropical planting improved the precinct’s overall look and ensures the park’s longevity in the humid climate.

An open gym and playground give the design plenty of amenity, while a cinema space and barbecue area add even more fun functionality. Rubber wetpour softfall was used to create smooth, soft surfaces that enhance the fall zone protection of both the playground and gym zones. A considered choice of ocean blue for the surfacing will contribute to its longevity and durability, while softfall markings were incorporated to assist with workout routines and increase its function.

A hardscaped promenade bordering the shoreline makes the most of the views and provides plenty of accessible pathway for leisurely strolls. In addition, Penfolds installed coloured concrete as part of the edging works.

Despite the challenges of a remote location, a tight timeframe and site limitations to stockpile material, the team from Penfolds Projects pulled off the project in only 10 weeks. By employing their meticulous organisational skills, the team created a public space that offers plenty of amenity for all and forms a notable destination for tourism in Queensland.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Gladstone Ports Corporation
Location Gladstone, Queensland
Builder Hutchinson Builders
Landscape Architect Urbis
Softfall Surface Pro Group
Turf Turf Works Group
Plants Blue Sky Nursery & Boundary Nurseries
Stencilling Brick N Pave
Landscape Contractor Penfold Projects

COMPANY
Penfold Projects
P   07 3501 4405
W  penfoldprojects.com.au