The Bulcock Beach foreshore is a spectacular piece of the Queensland coast. A natural outlook across the sparkling waters of the Pumicestone Passage, the foreshore has views from the northern tip of Bribie Island National Park and further west to the Glasshouse Mountains. In 2007 PLACE Design Group was first commissioned by the Sunshine Coast Council to undertake master plan review, design development, stakeholder consultation and to prepare detailed tender documentation for the Bulcock Beach Esplanade Redevelopment. In 2013 this redevelopment was completed and the foreshore area not only preserved but reinvigorated.
During the initial preparation of the master plan review and design phases, applied research into the various environmental factors intrinsic to the site was required. Specific investigation occurred into marine and foreshore ecology (fauna and flora) and coastal foreshore processes, and how they interacted with the site. A high degree of attention was given to analysis and consideration of predicted sea-level rise, tidal range and storm surge data in the establishment of design levels and infrastructure design solutions.
Due to this sensitive nature of the site and the Local, State (DERM and Marine Park) and Federal Environmental (EPBC) approvals and permits process there was stringent emphasis on environmental protection and appropriate design solutions. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Framework was developed to provide guidance to the preparation of a final CEMP by the contractor and ongoing environmental monitoring during construction (including both water quality and monitoring of endemic fauna and seasonal variations in their occupation of adjacent waters).
Traditionally the site has attracted a broad spectrum of the local and visiting community including beach goers, sightseers, fishermen and picnickers. With the site area being approximately 4000m2 with the narrowest width being three meters there were spatial challenges in the interweaving of the functional zones whilst providing a coastal pathway for traversers. The design minimises the impact of these various users on the sites significant environmental features in a number of ways. The root zones of the historic Norfolk pines have been protected by a deck area which has increased access while reducing harmful compaction around these trees. Fishermen have been provided with a purpose built fishing area including rod holders, tackle waste bins and a scaling table. The design allows for sea level rise and has built in scour protection to sea walls. The piling and cantilevered deck minimised disturbance to the marine environment while creating an enlarged and durable boardwalk area.
The constructed works significantly enhance and enrich the urban quality of the esplanade beyond its previous state. It is now a much more legible, accessible, safe and comfortable place which still respects and complements its foreshore setting through use of natural durable materials and a terrestrial based colour scheme which contrasts strongly with the blues of the marine park and ocean.
Bulcock Beach Esplanade Redevelopment | Caloundra Australia | PLACE Design Group
PLACE Design Group (principal consultant – project management, landscape architecture, environmental management),
sub consultants –
TOD Consulting (Structural Engineering)
Sunshine Coast Council (Civil Engineering)
Graham Lukins Partnership (Quantity Surveyor)
FRC Environmental (Marine Ecology)
WEBB Australia (Electrical Engineering and Lighting Design)
Burnett Lynch MRP (Hydraulic Engineering)
Golder Associates (Geotechnical Engineering)
CORE Architects (Architecture)
John Deshon Pty Ltd (Access Consultant)
Indigo C (Interpretive Consultant)
Broadwater Consultants (Irrigation Design)
Asset Horticultural (Soils Consultant)
Sunshine Coast Council (Arborist)
Construction
Hutchinson Builders (Noosa) (Head Contractor – Stage 1)
Blakeney Munns Consulting Engineers (Superintendent)
Sunshine Coast Council (Clerk of Works)
Specialist Suppliers/Fabricators
Chelmstone (Precast pavers, kerbing, wall capping)
Bell Stainless (Stainless Steel Fabrication and Balustrading)
Street and Garden Furniture Company (Furnishings, Light Totems and Signage)
Salvatore Di Mauro (Artist)
Urban Art Projects (Artwork Fabrication and Installation)
Pacific Trees (Ex-Ground Tree Supply)
Jetty Specialists (Boardwalk Roto Piling and Precast Members)
