Moir Studio was engaged by Maitland City Council to lead the concept and detailed design of Harold Gregson Reserve, transforming the last undeveloped parcel within the Maitland Athletics and Recreation Precinct. The ambitious project aimed to deliver a district-level playground, an amenities building, BBQ and picnic facilities, a multi-use court, skatepark, food truck infrastructure, a stage and performance space, EV charging stations, RV parking, and enhanced access to the existing remote control car track.

Funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, Moir Studio collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, skatepark designers, and architects. Together, the team created a highly dynamic and adaptable public space designed to necessitate the demands of a growing and evolving community.

The site, once a makeshift landfill, was heavily contaminated and required extensive soil capping of 300 to 500mm across much of the area. This posed significant design challenges,  particularly issues surrounding the survival of existing trees, as well as managing level changes at existing interfaces.

Preservation of existing tree canopy was of critical importance to the overarching project principles. Innovative design solutions were developed to ensure the mandatory contamination capping did not impact structural root zones while maintaining a level of separation between the contaminated soil and new surface treatments. A large sandstone rock swale was implemented that interconnected long swathes of existing trees, and stretched outwards to encompass their structural root zones. The rock swale provided sufficient barrier to the contaminated soil below, and allowed for an activated space that promotes interaction with nature and incorporated both natural and structured play elements. This activation of the spaces beneath the canopy also aided in combating Maitland’s hot climate and capitalised on cooler ambient conditions to facilitate comfort and accessibility.

Flexible open lawns areas have been strategically positioned to facilitate passive surveillance into the site as well as cater for picnicking and kickabout spaces. The basketball court has been sited at the base of a slope, creating a natural shaded amphitheatre to watch the activity. The court is lit at nighttime and has become a training space for the local roller-derby team.

Since its official opening in May 2024, Harold Gregson Reserve has already hosted some of Maitland’s largest community events, quickly becoming a beloved hub of activity and recreation.