The Melbourne Sports and Entertainment precinct houses a series of stadiums and venues that play host to some of the nation’s largest sporting events, such as the Australian Open tennis tournament, AFL Grand Final and Boxing Day cricket test matches.
The stretch of road known as Olympic Boulevard passes through the heart of the lively sports precinct, providing an important thoroughfare for vehicular traffic. Recognising the high levels of pedestrian activity along the boulevard, the State Government and City of Melbourne announced it as one of the city’s key sites to receive pedestrian safety improvements as part of the wider Melbourne CBD security upgrade project.
Several newly installed stainless steel bollards, large-format planters and rectangular precast concrete seat blocks form physical barriers adjacent to on-road traffic, creating a clear division between passing cars and pedestrians walking along the stadium forecourts. Installed in frequent intervals and positioned at seat level, the gleaming white concrete seat blocks also provide seating for visitors travelling on foot.
Thanks to close collaboration with City of Melbourne designers and the construction team at Ace Landscape Services, Anston (then SVC Urban) was able to successfully produce and deliver the concrete seat blocks and planters within the tight timeframes required for the project, which was completed in time for the 2020 Australian Open.
