Set in the Blue Mountains on the unceded lands of the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, this project reimagines the Old Clairvaux site as a place of connection, care, and innovation. Moving beyond conventional development models, the vision places Country at the centre of design and planning. It seeks to heal disconnections, strengthen relationships between people and place, and create a vibrant hub for community, culture, and sustainability.
Currently dominated by cars and tourism infrastructure, the area lacks pedestrian connectivity and meaningful ties to its natural and cultural landscape. The challenge is to transform it into a walkable, cycle-friendly, ecologically sensitive, and culturally grounded precinct that reflects both the wisdom of Country and the needs of the community.
Guided by principles of Country-centred design, the project honours the Traditional Custodians and their enduring relationship with land, water, and culture. It responds to natural systems such as hydrology, ecology, and climate while embedding Indigenous storytelling and perspectives in the built environment. The vision emphasises biodiversity, resilience, and inclusivity, promoting spaces for affordable housing, gathering, creativity, and social enterprise. Through design that listens to and learns from Country, the Innovation Precinct aims to nurture belonging, wellbeing, and ecological health for generations to come.
