Urbanisation
Spring Square
RPS’ award-winning Landscape Architecture team was commissioned by Poly to design Spring Square, a vibrant public open space corridor that serves as a thoroughfare while creating a unique sense of place.
Integrating public space in urban design
The Spring Square development is a masterplan by leading international developer Poly, that has been inspired by vertical communities around the world. Located in Sydney’s Bankstown commercial precinct, it features five towers with a mix of one-to-three-bedroom residences. Poly aimed to create spaces for connectivity, recreation, and play in this thriving multicultural metropolis.
RPS’ Landscape Architecture team was engaged to deliver the landscape concept, detailed design, and construction documentation for the economic hub. Spring Square presented a significant challenge in creating a shared open space corridor that would function as a site through link. The project needed to meet strict Council planning requirements while developing a multifunctional and engaging park space. This space had to serve residents, retailers, and the wider Bankstown community, creating a seamless connection and interaction between these groups.
Innovative design: balancing functionality, space, and aesthetic appeal
The RPS team implemented a clear definition of spaces using large, hand-selected rockwork. This approach delineated areas of varying use, adding interest and adhering to strict height limits on equipment. The design ensured compliance with Council requirements while creating an engaging and functional public space.
The Spring Square project resulted in the creation of a landmark, mixed-use laneway that reflects Bankstown’s vibrant, multicultural community. The landscape and public realm design established a distinct sense of place, acknowledging the area's past while embracing its future as a dynamic urban location. The public through-site link provided an improved, permeable, and leafy connection to the wider CBD. This integration included a series of publicly accessible urban plazas designed for informal gatherings, interaction, and recreation, all while ensuring safety. The square comes to life with an abundance of sunlight, shade, and air circulation reflecting thoughtful design and strategic planning in urban development.
A sustainable and community-centric urban hub
The Spring Square development is a celebrated urban space that meets the diverse needs of the Bankstown community. The design incorporates water-sensitive urban design initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and collection for landscape irrigation. The planting selections reflect the local endemic character of Bankstown, enhancing the area's aesthetic and environmental value.
Project milestones:
- 2019: Project initiation and conceptual design phase
- 2020: Detailed design and stakeholder consultations
- 2021: Approval of design and commencement of construction
- 2022: Mid-construction review and adjustments
- 2023: Project completion and public opening.
By addressing the challenge of integrating multifunctional spaces within strict planning constraints, RPS has delivered a project that not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances the quality of life for residents and the wider community in Bankstown.
To discuss how RPS can support your project, contact Steven Holmes or Andrew Galt.
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Meet the project team
Steven Holmes
Practice Leader - Landscape Architecture, Sydney
Andrew Galt
Service Line Leader - Landscape Architecture