Magryn provided civil and coastal engineering services for the transformation of the former Buffalo site at Glenelg North, revitalising this historically significant location into a functional, accessible, and inviting public open space overlooking the Patawalonga.
The site, previously home to the iconic Buffalo replica, was redeveloped into a landscaped waterfront space with new pavements, green areas, a rock revetment, and stormwater infrastructure. The works balance technical rigour with public amenity, delivering a durable and attractive space for the local community.
Key Engineering Features & Challenges
The project involved complex coastal, geotechnical, and civil engineering considerations:
- Soft Marine Sediments & Uncontrolled Fill: The site’s geotechnical conditions required careful design to manage settlement risks and support long-term pavement and revetment performance.
- Mechanically Stabilised Soil (MSS) Layer: An MSS layer was incorporated to reduce settlement risk beneath the paved areas and revetment.
- Sheet Piling: Temporary sheet piling was installed to form a cofferdam during construction, providing a dry work area and acting as structural toe support for the new rock revetment.
- On-Site Fill Management: Existing fill was reused and engineered on-site to reduce environmental impact and improve ground performance.
- Stormwater Management: A new drainage system was designed to manage runoff efficiently while minimising discharge to the Patawalonga.
- Permeable Paving: Incorporated around garden beds and tree zones to reduce runoff and promote infiltration.
- Lighting Upgrade: The lighting design was enhanced by reusing existing electrical infrastructure, improving safety while remaining cost-effective.
Collaborative Delivery
Magryn worked closely with contractor Outside Ideas and the City of Holdfast Bay, adapting during construction to respond to site conditions and ensure high-quality outcomes. Landscape and electrical design were delivered by Greenhill and GD Studia, seamlessly integrated with the engineering elements.
Community Benefits
The completed site delivers a generous, accessible public space with improved connection to the waterfront and features designed to enhance user experience:
- Expanded green open space for recreation and events
- Interpretive signage celebrating the cultural and historical significance of the site
- Laser-cut safety fencing with custom artwork
- Enhanced lighting and path connectivity
This project has transformed a dormant site into a resilient and welcoming waterfront destination, balancing engineering excellence with landscape design to create a lasting legacy for the Glenelg community.
