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The City of Ryde in NSW has launched an international ideas competition for the design of a new civic precinct at the gateway to the municipality.

The competition to revitalise the heart of the north western Sydney suburb invites “the world’s most talented and creative architects” to submit “new, unexpected and iconic solutions to engage the community” and unlock the potential of the site.

The competition comes after the current Ryde Civic Centre building, which sits at the heart of the precinct, was deemed unsafe by SafeWork NSW in October 2015.

The Civic Centre is a modernist building designed by architects Leslie J. Buckland and C. Druce, which opened in 1964. 

In addition to the Civic Centre, the 16,500 metre² site also accommodates the Ryde Library.

The city is seeking a replacement use for the area “that builds upon its significant cultural history and location,” and design entries are encouraged to include multi-functional indoor spaces for community and private hire, public open space, housing and infrastructure which better connects the site with the rest of the city, particularly for pedestrians.

Introducing the competition, NSW Government Architect and competition jury chair, Peter Poulet explains “great architecture can rejuvenate a city and it takes creative minds to imagine and shape a new place.

“We want ideas with flair and innovation to guide the development of this famous site, for the benefit and pride of future generations. Already there is a buzz within the architectural community and we are very excited about what will eventuate.”

The architectural contest, called Design our Ryde, is underpinned by the region’s 2025 Community Strategic Plan to ensure lifestyle offerings and economic opportunities are available “close to where people live, work and play.”

The City of Ryde is currently facing a possible merger with the neighbouring councils of Hunters Hill and Lane Cove, under the state government’s proposed plans to reduce the number of local government areas in greater Sydney from 43 to 25.

However, the City of Ryde says this “would not diminish the potential of the site to support an iconic architectural solution and a merger may not necessarily remove the scope for the site to accommodate future local government functions and services.”

The competition is being held in two stages. The deadline for initial submissions is 30th March 2016 and the jury will work with the public to select four shortlisted entries by 13th May. The successful architects will then have the opportunity to revise and expand on their plans before a final winner is chosen by 8th August.

The jury is comprised of Poulet, Shaun Carter (President of the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter) and Maria Atkinson (sustainability strategist).

For more information go to www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Design-our-Ryde

Images courtesy of Design our Ryde (from top): Ryde city centre, the Ryde Civic Centre building and promotion for the design competition.

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