Harold Park

The challenge was to redevelop a 10-hectare inner-city site between the harbour foreshore and the well-established suburbs of Annandale, Glebe and Forest Lodge in a way that would entice a whole new community of Inner West residents while satisfying expectations and allaying concerns of the existing community, Council and other stakeholders. The project needed to supply a critical mass of housing through architecture that would sit comfortably within the existing scale and fabric without compromising the heritage parameters of the tram depot buildings and curtilage, and to allow for cultural significance of the site to be interpreted by future generations.

An innovative mix of architectural solutions across 7 precincts was conceived via a collaborative approach by Mirvac Design, as lead architect, with SJB (Eden), Eeles Trelease (Maestro), Smart Design Studio (Maxwell Place), PTW (Vance) commissioned for specific stages. Respect for heritage was achieved through low-scale feel, high-quality construction/finishes, light-filled living spaces and activated streetscapes. Parkland integrated with Tramsheds unites all residents via a village atmosphere, shared heritage and improved habitat. A treasured piece of Sydney has been revitalised for future generations. Mirvac Design’s own pedigree and collaborations have resonated in market, with all precincts sold and Tramsheds enjoying 100% occupancy.

Harold Park has defined a new, more social way to build community in medium density. Tramsheds plus parkland enliven the heart so residents and public can congregate, dine, shop, exercise, relax. Residential buildings have achieved a 6-Star Building Sustainability Index. Natural features of the site have been remediated, significant open green space has been reintroduced to the inner-city, greener transport choices (cycling and walking) encouraged and improved access to public transport. Also 1000sqm of land has been given over to City of Sydney for affordable housing. The project achieved commercial success. All residential precincts sold out, contributing significant brand value.

Innovation was used to resolve traditional community values and heritage with the new built form and seamlessly integrate the resulting residential and retail facilities into the environment. The built form reflects the rich tapestry and pared-back scale of the surrounding fabric while achieving a cohesive visual aesthetic across all precincts. A mix of innovative architectural solutions reflects the diverse needs of the site. For instance, Maxwell Place sits long and low along the sandstone cliff face. Its clean, angular form hints at the adjacent Tramsheds without overpowering it, the geometric rhythm of the balconies echoing the tram depot’s sawtooth roof. Elsewhere, building mass is broken down by an innovative interpretation of the terrace typology at the base and recessed mansard roofing. Reinvention of Victorian ornamentation is apparent chosen materials chosen, the portal frame features around balconies to articulate the building façade, decorative pressed metal panelling, updated palisade fencing and coloured glass reminiscent of leadlight. Imaginative conservation and reuse of the tram depot allows for site history to be interpreted to the public well into the future. Buildings and curtilage have been successfully protected and kept remarkably true to their original structure/character while finding an new purpose compatible with modern lifestyle.