31st January 2018
Draft concept designs for a new children’s play space planned for Fremantle’s Kings Square have been revealed.
Inspired by the port city’s industrial history and close links with nature, the concept includes design features such as cranes, bridges, train tracks and shipping containers and incorporates natural elements including water and trees.
It’s also set to feature bold lighting treatments, interactive soundscapes and tactile nature play elements. The draft concept has zones which appeal to a broad age range from toddlers through to primary school aged children and has been designed to be accessible for children with disabilities.
The concepts are a major element of the City of Fremantle’s broader plan to upgrade public spaces as part of the once-in-a-generation Kings Square Renewal project.
Last year around 170 Fremantle kids and their parents were asked to help design the new play space via surveys and a series of workshops at local schools. WA-based landscape architecture firm Seedesign Studio were selected via a competitive tender process to develop a concept based on this community feedback.
Seedesign Studio director Joel Barker said the design was heavily inspired by the port, the ocean and the laid back Freo lifestyle with careful consideration given to the needs of kids and their parents/guardians.
“Through the consultation workshops and brainstorm sessions kids told us they were keen to climb, swing and play in nature,” Mr Barker said.
“They also told us they wanted water incorporated and with the ocean and river being a major part of the Fremantle experience, the concept includes a hand-pump and flow channel as well as interpretative water elements.
“Parents and guardians will appreciate the raised grass mounds with views across the play area to keep an eye on their kids while they play, shady areas and seating as well as direct access to an adjacent café planned for the site.”
“Programmable lighting elements will highlight the play space features at night, creating a whole new look and feel after dark to become a feature of the broader public space in Kings Square.”
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said it was fantastic to see the ideas of kids and their parents visualised in the concept plan.
“The play space is a vital element of the Kings Square Renewal project and although there may be some changes when the final design is approved by council, it’s great to be able to get a visualisation on what this space could look like in a couple of years,” Mayor Pettitt said.
The draft concepts are expected to be presented to council next month as one of a number of major elements in the broader public space renewal program.
Following approval by council, the play space project will move into the detailed design phase.
For more information on the design concepts for Kings Square public spaces visit https://mysay.fremantle.wa.gov.au/kings-square-public-space
