As demolition of the Brownlow walk-up flats at 35 Henley Beach Road, Henley Beach nears completion, a large-scale artistic fencing installation by Henley High School’s year 11 design students was unveiled at the Renewing Our Streets and Suburbs site this week.

Led by the City of Charles Sturt and proudly supported by Renewal SA, the project has transformed 80 metres of demolition fencing into a community placemaking initiative. Showcasing a selection of student artwork that explores the purpose of public design and art and how it can improve an area, the project has created a sense of connection between the businesses and residents on and around Henley Beach Road.

The students’ practical projects include artwork, seating and greening concepts that seek to enhance the key attributes of the area such as its ‘village feel,’ and to promote Henley Beach Road as a dog-friendly walking route to the beach.

Charles Sturt council hopes to extend the reach of this place making initiative by applying the students’ designs and concepts to other public spaces beyond the Brownlow site on Henley Beach Road in the future.

Demolition works of the prominent and dilapidated walk-up flats commenced in October 2017. Once demolition works have been completed the entire surface of the site will be specially treated to better manage any dust issues.

Planning is underway to develop a concept and subdivision plan for the site and is expected to be finalised early 2018. Once completed, local residents will be invited to attend a drop-in and chat session to view and discuss the concept plan prior to seeking planning approval.

Civil works to construct roads and provide service connections are due to commence in mid-2018.

The Renewing Our Streets and Suburbs initiative aims to renew 4500 aged South Australian Housing Trust dwellings located within 10 kilometres of the city by 2020, through a program of redevelopment and refurbishment.

Browse images below of the student artworks applied to the fencing.

Click on an image to enlarge, then use the arrows to navigate through the gallery.