Artist: Andy Goldsworthy heirisson island sculpture park

master plan report june 2008 Vision Statement Perth is ready... The time has come to bring ‘art in the environment’ to a new level of sophistication. Heirisson Island is to become a major attraction, freely available to residents and visitors to Perth - a place of delicate environmental detail, of indigenous interpretation and celebration, and of exemplary outdoor sculpture. heirisson island sculpture park

This Masterplan presents an idea for the development of Heirisson Island. It is a starting point for discussion. Inevitably, the plan will evolve based on consultation and environmental considerations. In particular, the contribution of the local Aboriginal groups associated with the area will be highly valued in the refinement and enrichment of the design heirisson island sculpture park

Contents 1.0 Introduction 4

2.0 Aims and Outcomes 5

3.0 Project Background 6

4.0 Physical Context 7

5.0 The Forming of an ‘Island’ 8

6.0 Aboriginal Cultural Context 9

7.0 The City’s Cultural Context 10

8.0 The Masterplan 11 - Creating the Vision

-Features of the Masterplan

9.0 Visitor / Interpretive Centre 24

10.0 Moving Forward 27 - Staging Program

- Progressing the Project

11.0 Funding and Management Partnerships 34

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 3 1.0

Introduction

Heirisson Island offers a unique environment with a strategic river location. It has an abundance of inherent qualities, yet its incredible potential remains unrealised.

This 25-hectare island, consisting of open grassed spaces, groves of native trees, reed beds, beaches and inlets, is used primarily by joggers and recreational fi shermen. But, for the most part, people pass through this tranquil city oasis by vehicle, having little regard or awareness of its treasures.

But Heirisson Island is now set to be transformed. With its superb city and river views and enviable location adjacent to the CBD, the island is envisaged to become a revitalized, connected parkland, incorporating sculptural artistic works of the highest standard.

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Aims and outcomes

• To create an outstanding sculpture park that is sensitive to its riverine setting.

• To provide a unique venue for the display of high quality exhibits of international standing.

• To create a spectacular ‘Gateway’ to the city of Perth.

• To rejuvenate an under-utilized part of the city with a sustainable, long term plan.

• To interpret and celebrate the historical and on-going Aboriginal connections to the area.

• To create a leading tourist destination.

• To connect different areas of activity around the city and the river.

• To restore and protect the ecology of the area.

• To raise the profi le of Perth in the national and international arts community.

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 5 3.0

Project Background

Recognising Heirisson Island as an untapped asset, the idea of Small boats mooring in the bay and their passengers wading ashore will reduce the Kangaroo enclosure fence This Masterplan illustrates how the Guiding Principles of the Heirisson 6 effectiveness of wetland revegetation projects. 7 screened with tree planting. establishing a world-class sculpture park was proposed by the Island Management Plan can be implemented. A more environmentally sustainable mooring could be created with The Management Plan makes specific recommendations in relation to: z A small jetty 8 Overflow or event car park. z Cultural significance, z Shelters with interpretation and river information 9 Site for new public facilities if a need Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Committee, an independent group z Activity on the land and water, z Picnic tables and a path to the public toilets. arises in the future. z Access and If there is a need to accommodate larger boats such as the ferries or river cruise 10 boats, a jetty could be installed close to the deep water channel on the northwest Events / performance space for z Environment bank of the island. 11 community activities. of local artists and professionals. The City of Perth Council has Heirisson Island is a unique riverside reserve which is close to the city and 12 Open play space for family activities. set with lakes and shady parkland. It has the potential to be a valuable Increased use of some locations on the island has caused erosion asset for the Perth community and is currently an undervalued cultural and Proposed pedestrian bridge from to the banks, reducing the attractiveness of some areas. supported ‘in principle’ the proposal and further exploration of its recreational site. Increased use can be supported in a way which protects 5 Point Fraser. These areas could be made more durable and attractive through: the island environment through: z Building of a ‘waved’ retaining wall at the river’s edge, Zone D feasibility. z Well designed, unobtrusive picnic shelters and facilities, z Shade tree planting and paving of high use areas, z The separation of wetland habitat areas from high use z Picnic shelters and information on good angling practices and recreation areas, interpretation of the river environment, z Increased tree planting and landscaping to highlight features z Night time lighting and increased rubbish collection, Zone E and views, z Encouraging anglers to carry rubbish out and fish responsibly. z Improved access, z Initiatives which make the most of the island’s location The City of Perth commissioned a Management Plan in 2001. and character. 6 Although this plan made reference to the potential for artworks on The Management Plan also recommends that the island be divided into five broad zones to enable different character and use areas to be managed appropriately. In summary these can be described as: the Island, it did not fully explore the incorporation of the sculpture A landmark hill and grassed woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area. NORTH

B wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area. 0 20 40 60 80 100 park. Essentially, the plan was to guide the upgrading of the 9 C high intensity recreation use and road/service corridor managed as a high impact recreation area. 11 metres D wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area. CAUSEWAY facilities and the development of further low impact recreation E knoll and surrounding woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area. 5 Views into Heirisson Island from the Causeway are screened, opportunities. It also highlighted areas prone to damage and 4 reducing the effect of the island as a gateway to Perth City. A higher profile for the site as one of only two islands on the Zone C Swan River and an entry point to Perth could be achieved outlined measures for the protection and enhancement of Views from the island to Swan River landmarks could be opened out and through: 3 framed. z Opening up tree lined views into the island, This could be achieved by: 4 z Providing glimpses of the river for motorists and cyclists on z Planting to frame long views to Mt Elisa, South Perth, McCallum park, the Causeway, environmentally fragile areas and habitats. The 2001 Management Burswood Park East Perth and Point Fraser, z Landscaping the verges to provide colorful entries to the z Providing vantage points at the river’s edge and on hill tops for visitors, island and city beyond, 8 z Placing seats and picnic shelters with scenic views in mind. z Lighting selected features of the island at night, such as up- Plan serves as a foundation for the development of this new lighting tree trunks.

Masterplan Plan. 12 SWAN RIVER

Zone A 7 Urbis was engaged to prepare this Masterplan and report in 2

The natural form of the island has been altered over the years, reducing 2007/08. Throughout the process Urbis has pro actively sought 2 the amount of wetland habitat available. Wetlands can be rehabilitated through: z Revegetation of low lying areas with riverine plant species, information to enable the design to be thoroughly developed, and z Re-introduction of wildlife; such as the black swans, 3 z Removal of weeds and rabbits, z Increased lake areas, Legend Jetties/Interpretation points 10 Zone B z Revegetation of the river banks and reduction of stone ‘rip rap’ areas. to address current and future management and maintenance Floating freshwater bird feeders 1 Existing public toilet, refurbished Interpretation shelters The Aboriginal and European cultural history of Heirisson Island is Wetland vegetation and habitat currently not readily available to the community. issues. This has involved liaising with the Heirisson Island Sculpture Picnic/Interpretation shelters 1 Greater understanding of Heirisson Island’s cultural significance and Riverine vegetation and interpretation of the island could be achieved through: Boardwalks parkland Park Committee, and City of Perth representatives. Urbis has z Signed walking trails, z Shelters with interpretive information, Stabilised limestone paths Existing stone boulder banks z Guided walks and brochures, z Installations and artworks. Kangaroo enclosure fence Sedges and rushes also sought information from the designers for Point Fraser and Information on the island’s plants, animals and river environment can also be woven into interpretation trails to add to visitor enjoyment. East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s “Riverside” project, to create a masterplan that integrates with these proposed adjacent Heirisson Island 2001 Masterplan developments.

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Physical Context

Heirisson Island is strategically located at the city’s eastern edge at a narrow neck in the river between East Perth and Victoria Park.

The island is centrally located to several ‘development centres’, CLAISEBROOK COVE such as Burswood Peninsular, Claisebrook Cove, the proposed Belmont Park redevelopment and the East Perth Riverside PERTH CBD project.

BURSWOOD All of these projects house, or are anticipated to house, EAST PERTH BELMONT/ASCOT signifi cant numbers of new residents, all within walking or cycling distance of Heirisson Island. Many of these residents Riverside Drive will traverse the island daily when commuting to and from work BURSWOOD in the city. Causeway The island is also surrounding by high quality public open KINGS PARK

MCCALLUM space, with Burswood and McCallum Park to the East and Point PARK HEIRISSON ISLAND Fraser and Langley Park to the west. PERTH WATER Albany Highway

It is accessible by bus and may in future be serviced by a light rail system linking Hay St across the island to Burswood Peninsular. There is also great potential, with the increase in riverside redevelopment, for the extension of the Swan River Taxi service to extend and take in Heirisson Island.

SOUTH PERTH Canning Highway

Heirisson Island Physical Context

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 7 5.0

The Forming of the Island

Historically, the area consisted of two small islands surrounded by mud fl ats. While restricting access through this point in the river, the mudfl ats assisted crossing between the east and west banks of the river. For this reason, the area was of particular signifi cance to the local Aboriginal people.

The natural crossing point formed part of an important transport route for the establishment of the British colony . In 1842 a toll bridge was constructed over the two islands, close to the location of the existing Causeway. The mudfl ats were dredged over time to assist passage upriver, resulting in the fusing of the small islands with the dredged material.

By 1900 a single landmass was formed and by 1930 the island had been expanded to its current size through further dredging and the dumping of building rubble and the importing of sand and soil. The existing Causeway

was constructed in 1955. 1870 1930

The island however remained an undeveloped site, with the unoffi cial dumping of waste material continuing until the 1960s. Major landscaping works followed in the late 1970s which transformed the island into a parkland supporting low impact recreational activities.

In 1975 Heirisson Isand was vested in the City of Perth as an A Class Reserve. This 25 hectare island is one of only two islands in the Swan, measuring 1.3km long by 300m at its widest point.

The Causeway, whilst connecting the Albany, Great Eastern and Canning Highways to the Perth CBD, today carries great volumes of traffi c and effectively divides the island in two.

1900 1970

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Aboriginal Cultural Context

The Heirisson Island area is recognised as being of particular importance to the local Aboriginal community and is registered with the Department of Indigenous Affairs as a site of mythological signifi cance (Site ID 3589).

The area is traditionally associated with the Beeloo Nyungah people who knew the small islands and mud fl ats as Matagarup, referring to the river as being ‘one leg deep’. The island located between the current causeway bridge was known as Kakaroomup. The Matagarup mud fl ats were the fi rst major crossing point upriver from the river’s mouth (at Fremantle) and were an important seasonal access way over which the Beeloo Nyungah gave other groups right of passage across the river. The area was also an important food-gathering place, refl ected in the traditional name for Point Fraser - Beeabbolup, meaning ‘place of many fi sh’ (From the City of Perth’s 2001 Management Plan).

Though no longer an important food gathering area, the signifi cance of the area has continued for the local people, especially due to its rich mythological associations.

Heirisson Island currently houses a statue of Yagan, a important leader of the Beelair Nyungah at the time of colonisation.

Images Courtesy of Yirra Yaakin

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 9 7.0

The City’s Cultural Context

The main cultural points of Perth – theatres, galleries, museums, etc are distributed over the CBD. Additionally, there many pieces of public art throughout the city area. Festivals and performances are held at temporary venue sites further contribute to the city’s cultural life.

King’s Park is a major environmental and cultural focus at 3 the western edge of the city. The park capitalises on its many beautiful spaces and stunning views to host events such as outdoor concerts, performances and cinema on Perth’s sublime 2 9 summer evenings. 6 7 The city is ‘crying out’ for another focus of international standing 1 4 to mirror King’s Park and thereby ‘book end’ the city at its eastern edge. The Sculpture Park facility at Heirisson Island 8 is perfectly positioned to fulfi l this role. It has the potential to greatly elevate Perth’s active and growing arts and culture scene, not only in terms of the standard of art on offer, but also 5 as a stunning and easily accessed venue.

Heirisson Island has the potential to respond to the river and N the city in a manner unlike any other venue in Perth. It offers a NTS physical setting for more immediate and intimate engagement Nearby Cultural Precincts with the Swan River, with all its cultural and environmental attributes. Cultural Venues Temporary Venues 1. Kings Park 6. Convention Centre 2. His Majesty’s Theatre 7. Esplanade 3. Cultural Centre 8. Langley Park 4. Concert Hall 9. Wellington Square 5. Heirisson Island

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8.0

The Masterplan 8.1 Creating the Vision

8.2 Features of the Masterplan

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 11 8.1

Creating the Vision

This is an extraordinary and exciting opportunity to create an LEGEND environment in a prime location that is custom designed for the display Existing Trees 1 Visitor Centre and Facilities of and appreciation of fi ne sculptural artworks. 2 Amphitheatre Proposed Trees 3 Viewing Terrace There are many wonderful sculpture parks around the world, some Mass Casuarinas 4 Lookout Towers dedicated to specifi c artists, others to historical or ethnographic works 5 Land Bridge and others to contemporary works. We have a unique ‘natural’ setting Existing Shrub 6 BBQ and Families that presents opportunities to create places and spaces for art works Proposed Shrub Planting that speak to, and of, the environment. The intent is for the island to be 7 Re-confi gured Wetlands Ornamental Shrub easily and freely accessible to the public. 89 Installation Garden

Irrigated Grass 9 Temporary Exhibitions

10 Bridge Crossing Non-Irrigated Gass 11 Interpretive Garden Wetland Planting 12 Ferry Drop Off - Primary

Sculptural Element 13 Ferry Drop Off - Secondary

14 Service and Emergency Access

15 Point Fraser Pedestrian Bridge

16 Pedestrian Bridge Link

17 Light Rail Bridge (future)

18 Existing Underpass

19 Buildings Underneath

20 Light Rail Stop (future)

21 New Underpass

22 Observation Deck

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The Plan FUTURE GATEWAY 2 13 DEVELOPMENT LINK

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18 6 POINT FRASER 14 22 15 20 12 16 19 1 5 21

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7 7 8 3

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N NTS Heirisson Island-Landscape Masterplan

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 13 8.1

Creating the Vision

1. Integrating Art and Landscape 2. Celebrating the Aboriginal Story

The creative integration of art and landscape will result in an Perth is in dire need of a place where Aboriginal culture is inspiring and provocative public space. interpreted and celebrated. This is important not only for the local Aboriginal community itself, but also for the citizens and • Landform as sculpture –A variety of landscaped spaces will visitors to Perth, to raise awareness and appreciation of what is be linked by sculpted landforms that can be read as art in an extraordinarily rich culture. themselves. These sculpted landforms will also serve as vantage points, wind barriers and provide spatial defi nition. • A facility at Heirisson Island is positioned to play a vital role – the landscape presents a perfect setting through which • Permanent Works –. The Masterplan provides a framework interpretations of the Aboriginal story, both historical and in which both intimate and open spaces can be specially contemporary, can be delicately interwoven. designed in greater detail to display specifi c artworks. These artworks could respond to the environment - the river, • It is envisaged that consultation with relevant local groups the birdlife, the history, etc. It is proposed that pieces of art regarding their cultural associations with the site will reveal of exceptional quality are acquired or commissioned over a opportunities for interpretation. It is recognised that there long period of time. may be particular issues of cultural sensitivity – these will be treated respectfully and sympathetically. • Feature Pieces – There are a number of locations in the plan that are intended for the installation of defi ning pieces of art. • The proposal includes formal and informal gathering places These will serve as markers in the landscape, to be viewed for story telling and events. There are opportunities to from a distance. incorporate story telling journeys on the river. The curvilinear wall to the visitor centre may be a starting point for artworks • Temporary exhibits – A number of areas within the park that interpret the signifi cance of the site. have been created as temporary, fl exible exhibit spaces. Delicate, ephemeral art installations could be an ongoing, • The layering of the Aboriginal Story into the very fabric of changing feature throughout the park. the design will bring a richness and depth of meaning to the project unprecedented in any development in Perth. There are a great range of possible synergies that could be developed with the community, visiting exhibitions, and local Please refer to pages 37-39 of this report for further discussion artists. This is a particularly valuable concept for the early years about issues relating to cultural heritage and consultation. in the park’s development when the number of permanent artworks may be limited.

• Performance – The performance spaces within the park allow for another layer of art to be on offer - performance art, puppetry, light shows along with other conventional forms of theatre such as dance, music and fi lm, that utilise the landscape as ‘stage’.

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3. Strengthening the Sense of ‘Island’ 4. Giving Recognition to the Original

• Road experience – To heighten awareness of Heirisson as Landform The site was originally a series of islands through the Matagarup an island, views across water to the island will be created mud fl ats. Over time, the site has been fi lled to create its . These views are currently obscured by the heritage listed current form. The proposal is to resurrect the semblance of balustrade on the Causeway bridge. The Masterplan the original form by opening the existing water bodies on the proposes excavation to the south and north sides of the site to create water linkages across the island. Access across Causeway, potentially opening up views over water beyond these water linkages is via bridges, heightening the visitor’s the balustrade. island experience, and retelling a story of history through subtle • Elevation - The proposed raised landform will allow a means. vantage point from which visitors will be able to view both north and south sides of the island and the surrounding river.

• Pedestrian experience – As all visitor parking will be relocated off the island, the journey across the river, either over a pedestrian bridge or by boat will, heighten the visitor’s experience of ‘island’.

• Views onto and off the island – Currently from both the city and the Victoria Park/Burswood side, the island reads as the opposite land mass with little or no sense that it is, in fact an island. The proposal is to create view corridors through, onto and out of the island, so the island can be perceived in the context of, yet separate from the adjacent land mass.

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 15 5. Enhancing the Natural Environment This will be replaced with species of trees and bushes, grasses of the island should be mitigated through good quality and reeds, that would have existed in the area originally. It is design, construction and ongoing management. Recycling The project presents many opportunities to enhance the natural intended that even the more ‘formal’ spaces are planted with of waste materials on the island itself should be considered environment and to encourage and nurture biodiversity in creative local indigenous species. wherever possible. and innovative ways. As the implementation of the plan is to be staged, the removal Please refer to page 34 of this report for more discussion of This can be done through: and replanting of vegetation will be gradual, ensuring that there technical issues relating to environmental sustainability and • Sensitive edge treatments to the island’s perimeter, using is adequate vegetation cover on the island at each stage of minimising the impact of development. natural and artifi cial options; construction.

• Working with the existing topography of the site and enhancing features where appropriate; 6. Minimising Environmental Impact • Creating new habitats that support wildlife and promote Minimising the impact on environment is of prime concern, both biodiversity; during construction phases, and also during the operations of • Using local plant species both in a natural setting and in the sculpture park once it is established. ‘ornamental’ gardens; Of the highest priority during any of the proposed works will • Artworks that draw inspiration from or assist natural systems, be the protection of the river. All necessary measures will and utilise landforms and materials, ie ‘land-based’ artworks undertaken to mitigate any anticipated adverse effects on water and ephemeral art installations - a true integration of art and quality. Use of materials of low environmental impact should environment. be carefully considered in the detailed design of the island’s

Of particular environmental signifi cance will be the return of the features and amenities. site to a semblance of the original physical form prior to the The daily operations of the sculpture park should be based on landfi ll works. This will enable the rehabilitation and extension of sound environmental principles: the existing wetlands in the southern section. • Water- Collection of rainwater and the recycling of grey water These measures will be instrumental in improving the island’s can be creatively incorporated into the design of particular ‘natural’ environment by replicating natural hydrological and features of the island. By the installation of water-effi cient ecological systems. Decked walkways are proposed to be appliances, and by restricting the areas requiring irrigated located through the wetland to nurture an appreciation of the grass, water use can be minimised. environment whilst protecting sensitive habitats. • Energy- Opportunities to incorporate renewable energy NOTE: The majority of the current planting on the island, though sources should be thoroughly explored. Energy use can be native, is not indigenous to the local area . As it is intended that minimised through the use of energy effi cient appliances much of the island’s landscape be restored to a more natural and lighting. state, this includes the removal of most of the current planting . • Waste- Waste and pollution generated from the operations

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