Campbells Cove upgrade

Context Landscape Architecture

A Sydney Harbour setting, within the UNESCO World Heritage curtilage of the Sydney Opera House, Campbells Cove Promenade Upgrade reinvigorates a crucial link along the waterfront of Sydney Harbour and its “Cultural Ribbon” – a nature and culture walk that celebrates and connects some of Sydney’s most significant cultural landmarks, places and landscapes along the Harbour.

Campbells Cove and the adjacent Campbell’s Stores, a rare surviving example of mid-nineteenth century warehousing, chart the changing nature of activities around Sydney Harbour.

Campbells Cove on Sydney Harbour. Image credit - Brett Boardman.

Since 1788, the site has evolved from the hub of commerce and shipping transport during the nineteenth century to its role today as an internationally recognised cultural landmark.

The sculptural stair/amphitheatre negotiates the level change between Hickson Road and the waterfront promenade, providing a vantage point down to the water and access to Campbell’s Stores.

Campbells Cove and the adjacent Campbell’s Stores are rare surviving examples of mid-nineteenth century warehousing. Image credit - Brett Boardman

Detailing the concrete stair required consideration of the existing bridge servicing the OPT, integration of the heritage warehousing and provision of a roof over the public toilets and service area located underneath.

The Pedestrian Promenade was lowered to improve both the visual and physical connection of Campbells Stores’ outdoor dining area to the waterfront. This intervention presented several design challenges, the most significant being the interface between the existing concrete and sandstone seawalls.

Cantilevering the boardwalk structure over the heritage seawall ensured it was left untouched and allowed for the inclusion of lighting that illuminates the seawall and floating precast boardwalk.

The site has evolved from the hub of commerce and shipping transport during the nineteenth century to its role today as an internationally recognised cultural landmark. Image credit - Brett Boardman

Materials were carefully considered to respect the history of the site and feature a selection of Australian granites with subtle variation of hues, tones and finishes. The paving design uses incremental dimensions, creating a seamless transition between the larger format pavers and smaller setts.

This approach was used to delineate vehicle and pedestrian areas while creating a public square for events and informal gatherings.

The Campbells Cove Promenade Upgrade not only achieves the project objectives but, more broadly, reinforces its significance along Sydney Harbour’s “Cultural Ribbon” and respects the UNESCO World Heritage curtilage of the Sydney Opera House.