Proserpine Area Masterplan

Image: Main Street Proserpine, courtesy of Whitsunday Regional Council

Challenge

SLR was commissioned by Whitsunday Regional Council to produce landscape and urban design concepts for Proserpine as part of the Prosperous Proserpine Project.

Proserpine is a regional township in the Whitsundays that has long history as an agricultural centre mainly in sugar cane. Unlike other Whitsunday towns such as Bowen and Airlie Beach Proserpine’s inland location and agricultural focus requires different considerations for townscape improvements. Council’s brief was to look at opportunities to promote the town’s character and identity in order to attract visitors and enhance community pride.

Solution

An integral part of the brief was to look at the entry or ‘grab’ points leading into Proserpine that enabled clear legibility and understanding of its location especially as viewed by visitors. SLR took the approach of undertaking an analysis of Proserpine that was focused on identifying its key character elements as a way of promoting its unique identity and revitalising the urban centre of Proserpine’s Main Street.

SLR identified a disconnect between the commercial centre and the Bruce Highway which does not openly encourage or promote legible access into Proserpine.

The team adopted the underlying theme of reinvigorating and transposing some of Proserpine’s historical ‘memories’ and agricultural themes into the concepts.

This complimented the proposed desire of Council to improve Main Street as a pedestrian destination highlighting its historical buildings and laneway enhancement opportunities.

SLR undertook a lead role as Landscape Architects and Urban Designer and oversaw a consultant team consisting of Public Art specialist, civil, lighting, traffic and stormwater engineers to advise on the design concepts. SLR worked closely with Council’s key stakeholders, staff and community to offer workable and sustainable solutions for the community.