Parramatta is witnessing a revolution in urban cooling strategies as floating garden trays are introduced to combat the heat in its CBD. Centenary Square and Parramatta Square, known hot spots, have been equipped with these innovative gardens as part of a trial by Future Village in collaboration with the City of Parramatta.
Building on the success of last year's pilot, this summer’s project has expanded significantly. It now covers 58 square meters with 600 plants across the city center and extends an additional 60 trays near Accor Stadium. This strategic placement of moveable garden trays is designed to make public spaces more comfortable during hot days.
The Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta, Cr Martin Zaiter, highlighted the positive feedback from the community, with the project receiving a rating of four and a half out of five stars in its initial phase. "Residents and visitors have enjoyed the enhanced aesthetics and comfort brought by the floating gardens, making it an easy decision to continue and expand this initiative," said Cr Zaiter.
The project not only beautifies the area but also plays a crucial role in cooling public spaces, transforming them into mini urban oases. “We’re proud to lead in sustainable initiatives, having received global recognition for our efforts in sustainable design at PHIVE and being the first to achieve Australian carbon neutral certification in a public domain for Parramatta Square,” Cr Zaiter added.
Supported by the NSW Government through the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer's Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Program, Future Village is working closely with the University of Technology Sydney to monitor and study the trial’s impacts. Ben Perry, Director of Future Village, confirmed the effectiveness of the gardens in reducing temperatures. “Our goal with the expanded trial is to determine the optimal amount of green space needed to maintain temperatures below 36°C during peak heat,” explained Perry.
The NSW Government’s Chief Scientist & Engineer, Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, praised the initiative. “The SBIR Program fosters innovative solutions to real-world problems, and the floating garden project is a prime example of how small businesses can contribute to making our urban environments more livable,” he said.
The floating gardens are set to remain in place until April, after which the plants will be repurposed for other projects, ensuring sustainability and ongoing benefits to the community. This project not only promises a cooler, more pleasant environment but also sets a precedent for other cities battling urban heat.
