The Rocks Interpretation Plan
SHP produced an Interpretation Plan for this incredibly complex site, adopting a shared history approach that interpreted the area’s First Nations Heritage alongside its famous colonial heritage.
In 2024, SHP was engaged by Placemaking NSW to prepare an Interpretation Plan for The Rocks, Sydney. As the site where Europeans first settled in Australia, this historic precinct is generally known as the nation’s birthplace. However, The Rocks is a complex and multilayered site, rich in First Nations and postcolonial heritage with over 90 state heritage-listed sites and a plethora of existing interpretation.
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Our work involved several site visits to understand The Rocks’ complexity, consult with the Traditional Owners and to audit existing interpretation. We conducted targeted research into the area’s tourism market, its First Nations and postcolonial history to inform our written stories and all recommendations for both existing and future interpretation. Finally, we worked with artists and designers to develop concepts for innovative placemaking and educational material such as graphic novels, interactive trails and Augmented Reality (AR).
Client: Placemaking NSW
Location: The Rocks, Sydney
Date: 2024
Scope of works: Tourism research, First Nations consultation, stakeholder engagement, historical research, story matrix, written content, story mapping, concept design.
