Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) has unveiled its designs for a beachfront precinct in Yeppoon, a regional town located on the Capricorn Coast in central Queensland, approximately 40 kilometres north-east of Rockhampton.
Site plan of the proposed Yeppoon foreshore revitalization by Taylor Cullity Lethlean.
Image: Courtesy TCL
The Yeppoon foreshore revitalization project focuses on an area of beachfront between Ross Creek to the south and the Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club to the north.
The destruction caused by 2015 Cyclone Marcia and the 2010 demolition of the Yeppoon hospital, which was located on the foreshore, presented an opportunity to reimagine the public spaces in the precinct.
In April 2016, TCL presented a masterplan for the Yeppoon foreshore revitalization to the Livingstone Shire Council. The design strategy of the masterplan focused on creating a memorable place that would be a drawcard destination for locals and visitors, and providing a series of pedestrian connections between the beaches and the public foreshore areas.
The design of the foreshore precinct takes its cues from the natural forms of the Capricorn Coast. Its curved edges and sculpted forms highlight the natural patterns of the region.
The design centres around a beach-side lagoon pool, the shape of which “is inspired by drifts of sand on shallow coastal beaches,” said TCL in a design statement. The lagoon pool will have an infinity edge, which will face the Keppel Islands to the east.
The foreshore precinct will also include new parks, gardens, boardwalks, shallows, water play elements, restaurants and a range of lagoon pavilions designed by Architectus and Brian Hooper Architect.
The design aims to celebrate the region’s beach culture and to create a major regional and national destination.
The foreshore revitalization project forms part of the fifth stage in the Yeppoon town centre and foreshore development, which began in 2001. Stages one and two were completed in 2003 and 2006 respectively. Stage three, the Keppel Kracken water play area, was completed in December 2015. Stage four, which includes a multi-level car park and an art wall, is to be completed in late 2016. Stage five will begin construction in February 2017.
The $45-million foreshore revitalization project is funded by federal, state and local governments.
