Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, Northern Apron

An iconic site within the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island embodies many of the cultural values that distinguish Sydney and its environs on the world stage. The island, known in Dharug as Wareamah, holds a long history as a significant meeting point for the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal peoples before European settlement.

In providing a new use to this former ship yard, jail and defence establishment, public access and interpretation were a high priority. The development of the northern apron entailed a broad grassed area that highlights the dramatic sandstone cliff face, providing a setting for a wide range of public amenities from international concerts to day to day cultural visitation. 

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects provided the design development and detailed design and documentation for the adaptive reuse of the former industrial lands into a new urban park that features the famous “Benders” giant machinery that were used to bend the raw metal to a ship’s form. Works included public seating, outdoor lighting, an engaging waterfront promenade, distinctive trees and shrubs that contrast to the form and character of the earth mounding, integrating the remediation issues of this former industrial site.  

Awards

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Awards 2008  

Winner - Cockatoo Island Northern Apron, Sydney Harbour - State Design Award