Exciting new hub for the Blue Mountains
The Parke Street Development, Katoomba, is an exciting new hub for the Blue Mountains, with a design that will result in a landmark building inspired by the outstanding setting of the World Heritage Mountains.
Australian firms of international renown have been commissioned for different elements in the project from design to environmental sustainable development planning.
Behind the Scenes
Internationally renowned Sydney architects HASSELL has been developing the design concept of the project.
Ken Maher is a leading Sydney architect and Chairman of HASSELL. He is Adjunct Professor in Architecture at the University of New South Wales and Chairman of the NSW Government's Urban Design Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Central Parramatta Planning Committee and a Founding Board Member of the Green Building Council of Australia.
Ken has received prizes in international and national architectural competitions. His projects have received architectural awards including Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards, the 1988 Canberra Medallion, the 1995 Lachlan Macquarie National Architecture Award, Sir Zelman Cohen Award in 1998 and two Sulman Medals, one for the Olympic Park Rail Station in 1998 and in 2002 for a new theatre at the National Institute for Dramatic Art (NIDA). Ken Maher is a past President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter). He writes regularly about architectural issues, has presented his work at conferences, and delivered public lectures locally and internationally.
Architect's Design Statement
Leading Sydney architect and chairman of HASSELL Ken Maher said that the design concept is inspired by the form and materials of the special landscape of the heritage region.
The design statement description outlined:
The location of the site near the top of the hill on Parke Street offers a unique opportunity to create a dramatic elevated platform that focuses on and accentuates the outstanding setting of the World Heritage Mountains.
Our design concept is inspired by the form and materials of this special landscape.
Gently vaulted and delicate roofs respect the undulating forms of the mountain ranges, and emphasise the directional nature of the views. The repetition of the roof forms gives a unity to the architecture, and reinforces the motif of vaults and arches found in some of Katoomba's significant historic buildings.
A central public space provides a focus for the various public facilities on the site, and allows the display of art within the dramatic setting of the surrounding landscape.
The Cultural Centre with its regional City Art Gallery, World Heritage Interpretive Centre, Theatrette and Café and the new Katoomba Library, are all accessible from this central square which is also linked by various routes back to Katoomba Street.
The colour and pattern selected for the external walls will reflect the character of the sandstone cliffs characteristic of the Blue Mountains landscape.
The design is open and welcoming, with generous provision of open space providing enhancement to the important cultural facilities.
A strong and singular character is intended for the whole of the Cultural Centre to ensure it has a strong presence as a significant civic and public place within the Blue Mountains.
The ESD consultancy
One of Australia's most recognised and respected ESD consultancies Heggies Pty Ltd was commissioned to provide environmental risk assessment and solutions for the project's progress.
Heggies has been at the forefront of ESD in Australia for more than 25 years and over 130 staff in a multi-disciplined firm of specialist engineers and scientists. The company's reputation is international and has been a catalyst to the firm establishing its own offices abroad.
Project Location
