Yerrabingin to lead Redfern parks renewal

Aboriginal-owned design practice Yerrabingin has been appointed by the City of Sydney to lead the next stage of the Redfern Neighbourhood Parks renewal.

The initiative will enhance three pivotal community spaces, the Redfern Community Centre Open Space, Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve.

The parks are co-located in the heart of the inner-city neighbourhood, nationally known for its Aboriginal history and cultural activism.

Yerrabingin Senior Associate Simon Trick says the practice recognises its responsibility in developing the project alongside the local community.

“Redfern has a significant legacy in the Aboriginal civil rights movement,” Mr Trick said.

“For people coming to the city, Redfern is known as a safe place from a cultural perspective, so we need to understand those stories.”

A community engagement process by the City of Sydney established the design, envisioned by locals as a trio of green, cool spaces for recreation and play that celebrate the area’s Aboriginal culture and history.

Yerrabingin’s work will address urban heat and increase biodiversity to invite in birds, bees and other non-human kin. The practice’s nearby work on the South Eveleigh Native Rooftop Farm will serve as a reference.

Mr Trick told Architecture and Design Yerrabingin’s established co-design process will support the continued input of community members at every stage of design and delivery.

“As Redfern densifies and new residents arrive, people of all ages use these parks as their backyard,” he said.

“Design, program and stories will reflect the present community’s aspirations and values whilst retaining a strong connection to Redfern’s Indigenous cultural heritage.”

The project scope includes a playground and larger, more functional multi-purpose open space for the Redfern Community Centre Open Space, and an upgrade to the Hugo Street Reserve basketball court.