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Blacktown Showground

Blacktown City Council / Blacktown, Australia

As part of the Blacktown 2025 Vision, Blacktown City Council appointed McGregor Coxall as lead consultant to redevelop the Master Pan for the Blacktown Showground to transform the site into a vibrant recreation precinct. Following adoption of the masterplan, the team was engaged to undertake Landscape Architecture services and documentation for the community garden, wetland, pedestrian linkages and elements of the play spaces.

The design seamlessly integrates a site wide water treatment strategy, collecting water that flows from the Blacktown CBD and treating it in the Showground. Some of the water is recycled, reducing demand on potable water whilst the wetlands provide good quality aquatic habitat. The treatment of water through raingardens, bio retention basins and the wetland effectively cleans stormwater runoff and protects the ecological health of downstream receiving waters. The use of on-site detention, water retention and storage also addresses runoff, making the site capable of handling high flows to mitigate flood during heavy rain. The showground is now a valuable community asset, home to a diverse range of aquatic ecology, local birds and has become a well used community park for adults and children.

Site Area

1.764 ha

Services

  • Landscape Master Plan
  • Public Institution
  • Waterfeature
  • Waterway Design and Management
  • Water Sensitive Urban Design [WSUD]
  • Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems [SUDS]
  • Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse
  • Catchment Flow Models
  • Cloudburst Design

Collaborators

  • Lahznimmo Architects
  • Alluvium Consulting Australia
  • Taylor and Cullity
Four people walk across a modern footbridge over a wetland area with tall grass at Blacktown Showground. The landscape features greenery and a modern building with green vertical panels in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.
A wooden boardwalk leads through a wetland area in Blacktown Showground, surrounded by tall reeds and grasses. The path is elevated over water and intersects with other walkways. A concrete wall with steps is on the right, and trees and plants fill the background. Signs are visible in the distance.
A serene landscape at Blacktown Showground features a wooden boardwalk over a pond with lush green vegetation. Several white birds are perched on the boardwalk while others are in the surrounding marshy area, amidst tall grasses and slight hilly terrain in the background.
A landscape featuring a wetland area with tall grasses in the foreground. In the background, there is a modern building with green vertical stripes and an elevated walkway with railings at Blacktown Showground. People can be seen walking near the building. Trees and a partly cloudy sky are visible.
A scenic outdoor space in Blacktown features a wooden boardwalk winding through wetland vegetation. Two people stroll along the path, enjoying the natural surroundings. This event venue is surrounded by trees and bushes, with clear skies above on a sunny day.
A modern green pavilion with an overhanging roof sits next to a pond with tall grasses in the foreground at the Blacktown showground. The area features concrete steps, paths, and scattered greenery. People can be seen enjoying the outdoor space on a sunny day.
An aerial view of Blacktown Showground in Sydney showcases a city park layout featuring an oval-shaped track, various sports fields, a playground, multiple tree-lined pathways, water features, a parking area, and surrounding roads and buildings.
Concrete stairs and a modern pavilion with a lattice-style roof overhang near a water body with reeds and algae, reminiscent of the charming Blacktown Showground. Green trees and residential buildings dot the background, while a bridge spans the water, connecting pathways with metal railings.
A serene wetland area in Blacktown with clear, reflective water surrounded by tall grasses. A concrete walkway and stairway lead up from the water. The sky and nearby trees are mirrored in the water's surface, creating a tranquil, picturesque scene near the showground.
A person with short dark hair, wearing a gray shirt and blue shorts, is seen from the back walking across a bridge with a black railing over the grassy area of Blacktown Showground. A towel is draped over their shoulder. Trees and vegetation are in the background, along with buildings.
A wooden boardwalk weaves through tall grass in an outdoor area at the Blacktown showground. Nearby, there's an information stand with a tilted display. A black fence and some small trees are visible in the background. The scene is brightly lit by sunlight.
A scenic view of Blacktown Showground park with a bridge crossing over a waterway. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The sky is partially cloudy, and the park appears peaceful and well-maintained with a mix of natural and man-made elements.

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