GOYDER SQUARE

Goyder Square – a new civic heart for Palmerston, NT

Goyder Square is the latest urban destination in the heart of Palmerston, Northern Territory.

As part of the Palmerston City Centre Master Plan, the City of Palmerston engaged RobertsDay and Turf Design Studio to develop Stages 2 and 3 of Goyder Square’s Design and Documentation.

Redevelopment of this public space has reinvigorated Palmerston and re-established significant connections to the city’s heritage and landmarks. This expansion of green, open space attracts people to the city’s heart and provides a sanctuary for residents and office workers.

Related projects of widening of The Boulevarde and the inclusion of a new bus stop and improved pedestrian/cycle connections increase the accessibility to Goyder Square.

Turf Design Studio envisioned the square’s water feature, which provides physical and experiential enhancements to the public landscape; encouraging visitors to look, feel and enjoy. Customised shade structures provide respite during the day and enable the support of public events, such as market stalls and concerts.

Goyder Square showcases the unique and diverse qualities of Northern Territory flora, with a palette that plays on colour, seasonal change and texture. A selection of mature street trees provides instant shade to users; chosen according to local availability, hardiness and low maintenance characteristics.

A cleverly integrated lighting strategy by Electrolight illuminates the square’s furniture and elements, trees and paths; creating a safe and comfortable passage within the site and onwards to Water Tower Park.

Goyder Square has been awarded the 2016 Great Place Award for Planning Excellence in Northern Territory.

Turf Design Studio acknowledges the fantastic process of collaboration with Palmerston City Council and RobertsDay that has led to the delivery of a new city hub the community has quickly made their own.

See the full list of 2016 Awards for Planning Excellence

Jury Citation – “The City of Palmerston recognised that the City Centre lacked amenity and a positive identity. A central place was needed for celebration and gathering that was pedestrian friendly, accessible and of a suitable size.”

“A complete transformation of this space has been achieved. From a traffic-dominated precinct with poor amenity the project has created a ‘green heart’, merging 3 disparate public spaces, to achieve a connected versatile and activated civic space.

Goyder Square is a flexible, safe, integrated and responsive Place. People can walk and cycle to Goyder Square. As the landscape matures it will provide a shady and comfortable environment. Importantly, the adjacent street network is legible and direct.

The judges considered that the popularity of the redeveloped Goyder Square and quality of design make it a worthy recipient of the Great Place Award.”

“A complete transformation of this space has been achieved. From a traffic-dominated precinct with poor amenity the project has created a ‘green heart’, merging 3 disparate public spaces, to achieve a connected versatile and activated civic space.”