11/06/2013 - Grant Associates, the UK landscape architects behind Singapore’s iconic Gardens by The Bay, has been appointed by the Royal Botanics and Domain Trust in Sydney to help develop a new sustainable masterplan for the historic Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and adjacent public Domain.
Working alongside Cox Richardson Architects and Planners, Grant Associates will be responsible for developing the landscape strategy and public realm elements of the new masterplan.
With a combined area of 64 hectares, on a spectacular location bordering the iconic Sydney Harbour waterfront, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and public Domain is the largest single site in the Sydney Central Business District. Ongoing management of the space is crucial for the future development and direction of Sydney as a cultural and tourist destination. Due to celebrate its bicentenary in 2016, and as Australia’s oldest research and scientific institution, the Garden holds a unique place in the nation’s intellectual life and as a popular recreation and visitor destination.
The new integrated masterplan is due to be unveiled in November 2013. It will address the heritage of the Garden and its role, structure and future form; identify the means by which research and education can flourish; address the physical environment, facilities and character; and seek to establish a framework for a resilient and sustainable financial future for the Garden.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this fascinating project. As the primary role of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust is for scientific research, we have to ensure a sustainable financial future and funding for this work, is balanced against the needs of heritage, education, recreation and as a tourist destination. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to play a small part in the future role of this amazing historic site”.
— Keith French, director, Grant Associates
Source: Grant Associates Press Office
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