Brighton Memorial Fields

Brighton Memorial Fields has been transformed into to a state-of-the-art sports facility with new amenities, full-size synthetic sports pitch, mid-size turf field, playground, picnic area with shelters, car park and a memorial boulevard connecting the precincts across the site. With two hectares of open space, Brighton Memorial Fields re-imagines an under-utilised local park into a range of facilities for recreation, relaxation, connection and contemplation.

In line with the multi-modal functionality, a range of users have been considered in the design. Families enjoy open space and playground areas whist competitive soccer games are being played. the adjacent school utilises the fields as a functional spill out area. Pedestrians walk through the park, away from main roads. Inclusive elements ensure the space can be enjoyed by all abilities.

A generous two hectare public open space site located in south-eastern Sydney, Brighton Memorial Fields is re-imagines an underutilised local park to provide sports and open space facilities for the local community. Consultation with local user groups—including passive and active recreation users, the adjoining school, local RSL and sporting clubs—informed the brief and initial framework for the site.

YearAwardProject

2023 Finalist, Excellence in Social & Community Infrastructure, UDIA NSW Crown Group Awards for Excellence, Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW (UDIA) Gujaga and McCarthy Reserve Precinct and Brighton Memorial Fields

Location: Dharawal, Gameygal Country
Brighton-Le-Sands, New South Wales
Client: Transport for NSW, Bayside Council, Cardno
Value: $12M
Scale: 21,000m²
Year: 2021
Project Contact: Michael Doak
Photography: Brett Boardman
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Upgrades include:

a new 280m² amenities building;
full-size synthetic sports pitch;
mid-size turf field;
playground area;
picnic area with shelters;
car park; and
a paved memorial boulevard that connects the various precincts across the site.

DesignInc Sydney - Brighton Memorial Fields

The carpark caters for the increased usage associated with the proposed facilities while ensuring pedestrians and cyclists can easily connect with the regional cycleway network and end of trip facilities.

Adaptability and ambiance

Envisaged as a multi-modal space, a wide range of users have been considered in the design. Families can utilise shaded open space and playground areas whist competitive soccer games are being played. Children from the adjacent school enjoy the fields as a functional spill out area and local visitors walk through the site, away from main roads, enjoying the ambiance of the planted memorial avenue. To ensure the play space enables all abilities, inclusive play elements have been incorporated within the play area.

Memory and place

Originally opened in 1968, Brighton Memorial Fields was established to commemorate those in the Australian Armed Forces who gave their lives so that the youth might live and play upon these fields. A nuanced and contextual placemaking strategy integrates the significant military stories into the landscape experience. Tales of local soldiers, national wars, poppies, and the representation of indigenous people and women in the armed forces are told through a ‘memorial walk’ and are subtly integrated into the broader parkland environment through material selection, soft-scaping, furniture, plant selection, interpretive plinths, signage blades and entry signage.

Sustainability

Sustainability principles include the use of selected hardy plant species, the provision of large canopy trees to provide maximum shade for hard paved areas and inclusion of passive recreation spaces.