This heritage-sensitive upgrade of Ulmarra, a riverside village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales by Vee Design for Clarence Valley Council, features custom artwork by local First Nations artists, etched onto Linea Bollards.
A theme of local wildlife was chosen by the local community for the public art during consultation by Council. Frances Belle Parker and Deborah Taylor were commissioned to co-create the designs.
Frances Belle Parker is a proud Yaegl woman from Maclean in the Northern Rivers. She said, “I have been a practicing artist for 23 years. My art is inspired by Yaegl country and the landscape.”
She told StreetChat, “Our designs are aimed to be gentle reminders about the land on which you are on, and to respect Country and nature.”
Deborah Taylor is a Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist who lives in South Grafton, also in the Clarence Valley. She said “The landscape and local environment, particularly flora and fauna is a huge part of my art.”
Associate Landscape Architect for Vee Design, Alex Robinson, said the precinct upgrade design prioritises the pedestrian experience, introducing inviting seating along the verge to foster community connections and shared moments.
Robinson said, “Civic pride emanates from carefully selected, quality materials that line the streets, ensuring durability and timeless aesthetic appeal. These included reclaimed bricks and cobblestone ground treatments, high quality seating amenity and road calming measures to guide foot traffic, creating a tranquil and safe environment where locals reclaim the streets with a renewed sense of ownership.”
He said, “Respecting the town’s heritage, the design seamlessly integrates local elements and historical references, preserving the past while weaving it into the town’s enduring narrative.”
The furniture selection includes the Aria Seating System, Linea Bollards, Linea Bicycle Stands and Frame Bin Enclosures in a palette of durable and low-maintenance Wood Without Worry aluminium Bush Cherry battens and Textura Doe Skin frames, to suit the heritage area.
Robinson said, “The range of Aria and Linea Furniture and embellishments were selected based on their timeless and sleek aesthetic, with a simple design that will last long-term both from a durability and visual perspective. The cream coloured powder coat finishes pay subtle homage to the surrounding heritage architecture.”
The Linea Bollards feature custom artwork laser-etched onto the aluminium Bush Cherry inserts.
Coordinator and Project Management for Clarence Valley Council, Rick Johnson, said this is the first of the Riverside Village Precinct Upgrades that Council has undertaken.
The precinct received $2.4 million of funding from former Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, and Serco provided $900,000 as a developer contribution for building Clarence Correctional Centre.
Johnson said, “The vision was to rejuvenate the heritage village and make it more inviting to visitors.”
With the precinct officially open in November 2023, he said, “The public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
