It’s an exciting time for architectural developments in Sydney; Barangaroo Reserve and the Goods Line opened in the same month giving us two new routes to explore, both carefully designed to cater to locals and visitors whether we’re rushing to work or taking a detour.
And the clever thing about the Goods Line is that it actively encourages people to take it slow – to stop, sit, play, read and touch. Adopting and adapting the concept behind New York’s popular High Line, the Goods Line is more than just an elevated walkway: there’s play equipment, plants and communal picnic benches, as well as a ping-pong table and a sandpit for the kids.
The new development links Railway Square to the Powerhouse Museum, repurposing a disused rail line to create an informal and colourful pedestrian walkway and cycle path. It’s going to make a world of difference to the students in the area, who’ll have a new place to take lunch or hold an impromptu meet-up on the tiered theatre seating near the Frank Gehry-designed building. We’re not ashamed to admit that the Goods Line has made it heaps easier to get that perfect Instagram shot of that irregular architectural beauty.
If you’ve got the time to hang around (and we suggest you make time), there are grassy spots begging to be covered in blankets and butts, an outdoor gym that could use a little demonstrating, and handy tablets of information about the history of the area (if you need to look clever and informed).
Look out for pop-up events that will make use of the space, such as the flagship event for the Sydney Architecture Festival #TheGoods, which takes place on Saturday October 3. The first public festival activation at the urban playground is a daylong celebration of architecture, curated by Archrival and JOC Consulting.
Designs are underway for the second stage of the Goods Line development, which includes an extension of the concept to Redfern. Watch this space.