Wamarra acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work, live and socialise. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who we recognise as Australia’s First Peoples whose cultural practices continue today.
Breathing new life into country
Wamarra is proud to have wrapped up works at the Suburban Rail Loop in Clayton on Bunurong Country, transforming over 2,700 square metres of open space into a vibrant, inclusive community area.
Working across two interconnected sites beneath the elevated rail line, this project saw the construction of an inviting space grounded in connection, culture and community. Every element was carefully designed, from the skate park and play equipment to the landscaped gardens and architectural walls.
Our scope of works included:
Drainage and electrical infrastructure
Architectural walls
Skate park and pavements
Rubber, synthetic and laykold surfacing
Play equipment
Mulch, timber edge, tubes and tree landscaping
As early works began, we played a crucial role in salvaging the site’s history. Beneath the surface, we uncovered artefacts from the 1870 to 1920’s: glassware, dining items and fragments of an old cottage – remnants of a time long passed, yet still present in spirit. These discoveries offered a tangible link to those who lived here before, and were handled with care and respect. Nearby, a heritage-listed Peppercorn tree stood proudly, carefully protected and preserved throughout the build.
Innovation was at the heart of the project, with the main focus being the implementation of SOLVANOVA solar lighting systems. Designed to be fully independent of both the train station and the grid, these systems store energy by day and shine throughout the night, supporting a self-sufficient, energy-conscious future for public spaces.
Like all journeys, this project came with its challenges - from redesigning walls to bridge critical train services to completely changing the electrical design. The team adapted to every shift, delivering the project on time with minimal impact on the community.
The first site officially opened to the public on Monday, 3 March – a proud milestone for the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and Wamarra alike, delivering on promises and leaving something meaningful behind for generations to come.
This space now stands as a meeting place, a playground and a peaceful place where community and culture thrive side by side.
Listen to Senior Project Engineer, Esmond Warnakulasuriya reflect on the successful delivery of the project.
