Heritage enhancement on the Murray River

ASPECT Studios, in collaboration with TERROIR and Mulloway Studio, and engineers WALLBRIDGE GILBERT AZTEC (WGA), have designed an enhancement of Sturt Reserve, the heritage wharf and tourism precinct in South Australia’s Murray Bridge.

The Sturt Reserve Masterplan Design Development for the Rural City of Murray Bridge was endorsed by councillors on 13 September, and, “re-imagines the Council’s premier open space and will significantly enhance visitor’s experiences.

The first stage of the Sturt Reserve Masterplan Design Development was completed earlier this year.

Located on Ngarrindjeri Country, the plan will reinforce the destination as a tourist and recreational hub that celebrates the area’s rich cultural heritage.”

The new recreation, play and historic precincts for Murray Bridge will reconnect the site to its indigenous and post-colonial history. The wharf will be upgraded with new docking facilities, a visitor centre and cafe, and reconnected to the town centre, river, and destinations further afield.

ASPECT say the development will be a complete transformation of the Murray Bridge riverfront.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be prioritised with better infrastructure and improved connections to the water, while, “new areas woven throughout the reserve will act as natural points to gather and celebrate.”

The first stage, the ‘Recreation Precinct’, was completed earlier this year, and work on subsequent stages is ongoing.

This recreation area features a new architectural shade canopy and an arbour that sits at the centre of the expanded community space. Parks have also been upgraded and a new kayaking area added.

The Sturt Reserve Masterplan Design Development for the Rural City of Murray Bridge re-imagines the Council’s premier open space and will significantly enhance visitor’s experiences.

A play precinct with a lightweight pontoon creates a river pool for swimming, and has historic influences. Connected to the pool, a discovery labyrinth features a climbing wall, slides and nature play areas.

ASPECT say the plan, “focuses on the adaptive reuse of industrial site features and fostering a sustainable ecology,” and will be a complete transformation of the town’s riverfront.

Located in Ngarrindjeri Country, the development aims to reinforce the destination as a tourist and recreational hub that celebrates the area’s rich cultural heritage.