Badumurru Place brings culture, community and connection to Waterloo

Date: May 20, 2026

Category: New projects

Badumurru Place, a new culturally rich public space in Sydney, officially opened in May 2026, marking an important milestone in the transformation of Waterloo’s public realm. Positioned above Waterloo Metro Station and seamlessly connected to Cope Street Plaza, the civic space brings community, culture and connection to the heart of the Waterloo Metro Quarter.

Collaborators from left to right: Amelia Holliday (Aileen Sage), Isabelle Toland (Aileen Sage), Dennis Golding (First Nations Artist)

Derived from the Gadigal language Badu (water) and Murru
(path), Badumurru acknowledges the site’s history of wetlands, waterways and gathering. This cultural foundation has guided the project from the outset, informing not only the design but also the stories, artworks and voices embedded within the place.

Central to Badumurru Place is a deep collaboration with First Nations artists connected to the area. Works by Carmen Glynn-Braun, Nadeena Dixon, Lorna Munro and Dennis Golding foreground local knowledge, lived experience and cultural continuity, ensuring the space reflects the identity of those who have grown up in, and remain part of, the Waterloo community. These contributions are integral to the fabric of the project, shaping a public domain that is authentic, meaningful and enduring.

N Ews Badumurru place opening Waterloo 3

Delivered as part of the $900 million Waterloo Metro Quarter by John Holland and Mirvac, the precinct brings together residential, social housing, retail and public space to create a vibrant, inclusive destination for Redfern and Waterloo.

More than a new plaza, Badumurru Place is a platform for cultural recognition, community expression and everyday gathering, marking the first stage of ASPECT Studios’ ongoing contribution to Waterloo’s evolving landscape.

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