The design challenge was to retain the industrial aesthetic of the landmark site – including as many of the original materials as possible – while at the same time creating a beautiful new leisure destination, complete with walking paths, bicycle access and picnic spots with stunning views to Sydney’s CBD, Barangaroo and Harbour Bridge.

Tank 101 was a complex structure representing the Ballast Point refinery’s original oil tank. Working with the old and rusting steel presented several challenges, especially as the paint was lead based. This meant we had to use alternative construction methods to ensure no contamination.

One of the most practical (and visible) innovations was the fitting of compact wind turbines to the tank structure which allows the site to generate its own ‘green’ power. The presence of potentially-dangerous lead paint also meant we had to use an innovative approach to cutting it.

We shipped the plates to a water cutting facility in Sydney, water-cut the steel letters and welded tabs to the backs of all sheets. We then hung the sheets from a steel ring on the structure’s frame to complete the reincarnation of the tank.

• Tank 101
• Painted steel frames installed in a ring on the footprint of the old Tank 101
• Green power wind turbines
• Water-cut poem, written by Les Murray
• 4x Deckings

Community safety was a key consideration at every stage of the project, especially given the industrial nature of the old site and many of the materials used.

The finished park needed to be 100% safe for heavy daily usage by local families and visitors, while the construction phase needed to be carefully managed to minimise risks and disruptions to residents.

Recycled Jarrah was used on the decks. Due to the presence of lead-based paint, we used water cutting methods to remove the risk of lead contamination.