Ballast Point
The transformation of Ballast Point Park into a vibrant public open space was the culmination of a deeply significant historical journey.
Originally a pristine, wooded headland, this land was inhabited by our First Nations People for millennia. Following European settlement, it became part of an original 550-acre land grant to William Balmain, with its subsequent sale to John Gilchrist shaping the very boundaries visible today.
In profound recognition of this layered history, the dual name, ‘Walama’ – meaning ‘to return’ – has been adopted, powerfully underscoring the area’s remarkable metamorphosis from a heavily industrialised site back to its natural essence.
Layers of History
Located on the former Caltex lubricant production facility site, the 2.5ha Ballast Point Park occupies the Birchgrove Peninsula in Sydney’s inner western harbour suburb of Balmain.
The Ballast Point design reconciles the layers of history with a new direction where recycled materials are used in innovative ways to create a park of unique quality. This environmental approach is further underpinned by site-wide storm water filtration though the use of bio-swales, and wind turbines for on-site energy production.
Most notably, in the construction of Ballast Point Park, an innovative product was required to terrace the site. The architect’s concept was for a reinforced earth wall with a custom gabion face, which Solutions+ engineered.
The final design was a unique wall that required some innovative thought and commitments from our construction team, including the reuse of re-engineered site fill, screening and mixing onsite of specific-sized and coloured recycled aggregate for the gabion infill, and intricate construction sequencing.
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The Pluses We Brought To This Project
Fun Facts
- Wadanggari Park is constructed directly above the North Shore railway line, a complex engineering feat that allowed for the creation of much-needed open space in a densely populated urban environment.
- The playground includes infant pods and mini slides for babies / toddlers, pod climbers for pre-schoolers, net towers for primary school visitors, steppers, bridges, climbing nets, viewing decks, play logs, and thrilling slides.
- The new space also includes a large lawn area suitable for picnics and relaxing, and community events, with passive nooks surrounded by raised planter beds.
Project Partners
- Council: Lane Cove Council
- Clients: Arenco & JQZ
- Landscape Architect: Arcadia Landscape Architecture
Community Engagement
This park has become a well-loved asset within the community, with it rare to visit and find the playground empty.
Award Wins
- 2024 Park of the Year in the Annual Parks & Leisure Regional Awards of Excellence | Lane Cove Council & Arcadia Landscape Architecture
What They Say
The Billabong Parklands will offer the people of Campbelltown a new and unique public space with a range of fun activities for people of all ages. With activities like water play, landscaped areas and parklands, as well as a swimming lagoon and zero-depth play area for those with young families. “
Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces,
NSW Government