Broken Hill Pop-Up Arboretum NSW, Australia (2020)

Locals were invited to escape the heat of the CBD and have a say on the city’s future at a pop-up arboretum next to the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery in October, 2020.

The temporary ‘Stay and Play Arboretum’ was funded by the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program.

It features various furniture, shade from trees and umbrellas, and offers a green, restful environment using artificial grass and green colours and natural timbers.

Street Furniture Australia supplied moveable Forum Seats, with battens powdercoated in Shamrock and Safety Yellow, and Sable Bass Textured frames.

A Cafe Table with Stools adds further opportunity for rest and recreation, in Shamrock and Safety Yellow.

The wall facing the area features a major temporary artwork, and the footpath is chalked with hopscotch games.

“We just want to provide a shaded and green place to sit and relax, and to provide some temporary respite from the concrete and asphalt of Argent Street,” said Broken Hill City Council’s Community Development Officer, Dionne Devlin.

“The feedback we have received has been extremely good, with many people enjoying the experience and the site,” she told StreetChat.

“The furniture is interesting and comfortable and the Cafe Table and Stools on the footpath have been well utilised.”

The arboretum hosted a range of engagement activities, and users were asked for their feedback on the area and if they would like to see another arboretum activated in the city in future, with CBD Masterplan design firm TCL hosting community consultation.

A ‘Wish Tree’ encouraged locals to write their wish for the community and feedback on the space.