Sydney Road Pocket Park
GLAS Landscape Architects was engaged to provide landscape design expertise for the Warrnambool Learning and Library Centre in 2019, working as a sub-consultant to Kosloff Architecture. The scope of the project focuses on the external spaces surrounding the hub, with a design aimed at integrating the new facilities into the existing TAFE campus and connecting them to the surrounding town, all while reflecting the local coastal environment and historical conAt the heart of the landscape concept is a desire to create spaces that not only function well but also connect people to nature and each other. The design takes cues from the coastal landscape, with its sand dunes, rock outcrops, and indigenous plant life, to inform everything from the material choices to the arrangement of planting and seating. The iconic Norfolk Island Pines that frame the entrance stand as sentinels, welcoming visitors into a civic plaza where the boundary between hard surfaces and soft greenery is intentionally blurred, encouraging exploration and casual interaction.
Working closely with Merri-bek Council, GLAS led the design of the new pocket park on Sydney Road, located in the heart of Brunswick. Developed through extensive community consultation, this green oasis offers serene spaces where visitors can connect with nature and seek respite from the hustle and bustle of Sydney Road. The park’s materials and plantings honour the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people’s deep connection to the Merri Creek and reflect the meaning of “Merri-bek” as “rocky country.”
What was once a concrete-covered site has been transformed, regenerating the soil and converting 80% of the area into lush gardens that feature water-sensitive urban design. The park now serves as a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban environment.
Named after Michelle Guglielmo, former curator of the Counihan Gallery who passed away from cancer in 2006, the park celebrates art and creativity. It features a patterned shade canopy by artist Mandy Lane, a mural by Mike Makatron, lighting installations by artist Jenna Lee, and a projector screen for an outdoor cinema, making it a dynamic canvas for artistic expression and community engagement.
Traditional Custodians
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung
Location
Brunswick, VIC
Scale
600 sqm
Year
2024
Client
Merri-bek City Council
Team
Merri-Bek City Council
Marcus Constructions
Urbania
ARUP
OPS Engineers
Manda Lane
Jenna Lee
260 Sydney Road Park Rendered Plan
"Merri Merri" meaning "very rocky" in Woi wurrung—the park immerses visitors in a forested green space featuring ancient rock walls, native planting, and natural materials. This design reconnects the community with the area’s geological roots and reflects a vision for a climate-resilient future.
Planting
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The park is planted with Eucalypt species and flowering Brachychitons to provide over 50% of the site with dappled shade in summer and admit sun in winter.
Soil
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Our design consists of approximately 330 m2 of soft landscaped area, drastically increasing the deep soil provision on site and providing healthy connected soil, supporting resilient planting.
Water
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A large swale runs through the site, capturing runoff and reducing dependence on the main drainage system.
Carbon
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The project will sequester 2000 kg of CO2e per year, which is equivalent to removing the emissions of a Toyota Corolla Sedan driving from Melbourne to Sydney 11 times a year.
Social
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The design also consists of 50 square metres of lawn area to provide the Merri-bek community with a flexible space that can cater a range of events.
