Burchell Reserve Redevelopment
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Burchell Reserve demonstrates how seamless integration of stormwater infrastructure can be achieved within open public space.
Spiire’s Adelaide Landscape Architecture team (formerly Outerspace Studios) was engaged to provide landscape design, documentation and contract administration services for the Burchell Reserve Redevelopment.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government (National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program) and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, the project involved a high degree of collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure substantive stormwater peak flow mitigation and water quality improvements were integrated with recreation opportunities for the local community.
This collaborative approach achieved an innovative design solution within a confined urban site, creating an open space that provides community amenity and security against flooding.
The client’s internal landscape architects joined forces with the consultant design team to deliver the project, allowing it to strike a balance between infrastructure and user experience.
The close proximity of the reserve to St Peters billabong and the River Torrens highlights the important role Councils and landscape architects play in the delivery of strategic projects to mitigate flood risks and protect receiving waters in constrained suburban settings.
Beyond the stormwater functionality, creating a high-quality green space for the surrounding neighbourhood was integral to the success of the project. The fully accessible play space, public amenities and recreational facilities, including multipurpose courts, picnic area, irrigated lawn area, public toilets and park furniture, are set among existing mature trees, providing an ideal setting for casual community gatherings.
The billabong inspired play space draws upon the site’s natural history and integrates themes of sustainable water use, inviting children to reconnect with nature. The restoration of the original slate terraces overlooking the courts retains a sense of the area’s history and character.
The project received the Water for Life commendation at the 2025 AILA SA Awards. The Jury said: “…the project exemplifies how effective integration of an existing park with mature trees, stormwater treatment and recreational facilities can be achieved with positive outcomes.”
