Client: TWT Property Group
Year: 2016
PublicArt Works completed a Public Art Strategy for TWT Property Group for their prestigious residential development in Harris Street, Ultimo. The winning architectural scheme, by Architectus, created a generous new lane way between the new development and the heritage terraces on the northern boundary, which is to be the focus for a major public sculpture. The integrated sculpture will add to the quality of life of residents, knitting home and neighbourhood and linking the past of a fascinating old industrial suburb undergoing contemporary transformation. Only remnants of the old Bushels Tea & Coffee warehouse remain, but the artists brief will be to consider this iconic brand, and Ultimo’s claim as Australia’s most important industrial suburb.
TWT have a strong commitment not just to public art, but an overall artistic vision for the site, with the generous internal gardens and foyers to be endowed with sculpture and artisan finishes. TWT have an interesting track record as an innovative developer in Australia, having engaged Brand X to address wider cultural activation issues, for example at their St Leonards site, and a deep respect for the role of art in delivering a signature styling to a development.
Working in collaboration with Architectus and landscape architects Taylor Brammer, PublicArt Works initially appointed 4 artists to develop initial concepts for the site; Matthew Harding, Jade Oakley, Michael Keighery and Xia Hang. Following the completion of Public Art Strategy, Xia Hang is selected to create an artwork for the new development in Ultimo. ‘Memory Tree’, based loosely on the industrial history of Ultimo is to be approximately 6m by 8m in size. Memory Tree will occupy the entrance to the lane, just opposite the Ian Thorpe pool.
