context The Block on Eveleigh Street in Redfern, Sydney, is a meeting place for Aboriginal people from all over the country. Its recent, post-colonial history as an area of predominantly Aboriginal housing was a result of the building of the railway line and the need to accommodate construction workers, many of whom were indigenous. Topographically the Block is sited on a hill above a distinct basin at the base of Vine Street that was almost certainly a billabong at one time. For obvious reasons these elevated sites near water were very often traditional camping places for earlier Aboriginal populations.

ideas The proposed development of the Block includes a cultural precinct immediately adjacent to the railway station and housing for Aboriginal families. An insertion of water features and flowing water links the two, creating a new wetland in the location of the old billabong. The cultural precinct is made up of an art gallery, art workshops, artist in residence accommodation, an indigenous business college, a gym, a student hostel, and a combination of culinary and cultural retail outlets.

Red Place, the space that is defined by the new buildings, is to be the venue for cultural events, festivals and markets. It is directly linked to the art wall screen, playground and green open space of the new community centre.