Top design firm to re-imagine heart of Coffs Harbour

Buckle up to be wowed, Coffs Harbour, as an internationally acclaimed firm signs on to recreate Brelsford Park on the outskirts of the CBD. See what’s in store.

Coffs Harbour’s Brelsford Park is set to be transformed into a stunningly beautiful multi-use precinct - including a jaw-dropping main entry gateway near the plaza on Park Avenue.

Internationally-recognised planning and design consultancy Place Design Group (PDG) has been awarded the tender to develop detailed designs for stage one of the Brelsford Park Masterplan upgrade.

PDG has been at the helm of some of the most eye-catching developments around the world - including many in Australia and a string of significant projects in China.

Company director Nick Ison was on the ground in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday and couldn’t mask his excitement for the current Brelsford Park canvas which skirts the CBD.

Place Design Group representatives at a site inspection of Brelsford Park. Pictured are project manager Jane Rumble, design manager Tim Field and project director Nick Ison.

“It’s (Brelsford) got great bones - it’s close to residential areas, has the existing playground and skatepark and trees, so there will be shade from day one,” Mr Ison said.

Standout features of the Coffs project will include a water play park and state of the art lighting so that Brelsford Park can be enjoyed by the public after sunset.

The project is one of a number that will rejuvenate Coffs Harbour.

Baringa Town Square, Sunshine Coast. A project of Place Design Group.

But don’t expect “big buckets” tipping water as seen in splash parks at typical resort-style tourist facilities.

“We see the water as being a textural element of movement through the site, so it could be a stream or channels - but it certainly won’t be a fountain,” Mr Ison said.

Achieving connectivity through design of the various areas of Brelsford Park will be the challenge, he said.

Brelsford Park.

“We’ll need to consider everything and how it works together. There’s an opportunity for an educational piece - a narrative through the park around water, which takes in the heritage and Indigenous culture,” Mr Ison said.

PDG will partner with a range of expert sub-consultants including Fleetwood Urban, Waterforms, Northrop and Lighting Art and Science to create a unique and exceptional parkland with spaces for fun, inclusive events and cultural activities.

Mr Ison said lighting would be key to the overall effect - highlighting trees, enhancing safety for the public after hours, and a focus for the gateway park entrance.

Beats and Eats in Brelsford Park.

Stage one of the project includes:

* Paved civic entry and water play

* Community event space with a small stage and amphitheatre

* Mobile kiosk site

* Additional public amenities

* Picnic facilities, seating and shelters, and;

* Shade tree planting.

The improvements are being funded by a $5 million federal and state government grant.

Coffs Harbour City Council - which was successful in winning the funding - expects detailed design work to be completed in October, and construction to start in the first quarter of 2023.