Client
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Location
Mosman, NSW
Completed
2011
Value
$10 million
Role
Civil and hydraulic engineer,
project manager
Former defence base
Headland Park consists of land previously occupied by defence bases at Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay, and is today protected by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, who is focused on building a lasting legacy for sites such as this. Military presence in the area dates from the 1800s, when fortifications and barracks were constructed at Georges Heights to protect Sydney.
Headland Park now contains cafes and restaurants in refurbished heritage buildings, with an outdoor education centre and walking tracks that make it an amazing tourist attraction with some of Sydney's greatest views.
Our role
Woolacotts provided engineering design, documentation and project management services for the design of roads, car parks and stormwater drainage. With the site located adjacent to Sydney Harbour National Park, and surrounding bushland areas containing natural vegetation, our client required a thorough analysis of the environmental issues as part of the design and during construction.
Heritage site
The site has heritage significance, and all works designed required consideration of the impact. This was particularly important when designing modifications to the golf club and rectifying structural defects in the observation post.
It also flowed through into design of new elements, with a vehicle barrier deliberately given a military feel rather than using a standard product.
Stormwater
Stormwater management was a major consideration, particularly given the proximity to Sydney Harbour National Park and Sydney Harbour. Runoff from the site required treatment to remove pollutants and dissipation of flows to prevent erosion. Consideration was also required for the possible collection of stormwater for retention and re-use, and the designed system needed to allow for future collection.