Light installation transforms Randwick’s laneways into vibrant and safe spaces

Light art installations are transforming the laneways of Randwick – located in Sydney’s east -  promoting night-time safety and vibrancy.

A site-specific permanent artwork by multidisciplinary artist Rochelle Haley has been unveiled within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct. The major art project is the second in a new Laneway Art Program commissioned by Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program.

The light installation Lunar Sway aims to transform the laneways of the Randwick Health Campus, enhancing community engagement and wellbeing while walking or waiting.

Lunar Sway features glowing elliptical orbs and gently changing light beams suspended from custom poles in two key precinct streets.

Inspired by lunar cycles and the colours of the sunrise and sunset, the work illuminates a corridor through the campus to connect people when walking to public transport, providing an uplifting experience and feeling of safety for health workers at night, while acting as a beacon for the broader community. Lunar Sway aims to reimagine humans' connection to the night sky and each other, despite different viewpoints and experiences.

UNSW senior lecturer and artist Rochelle Haley was commissioned by Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, with the aim of improving night-time connectivity and comfort in the precinct through site-specific artwork.

The Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct is a 24-hour precinct. It is home to four hospitals and a major university, with women comprising around 80% of the hospital's workforce, many working night shifts and moving through the campus streets after dark.

The artwork was created in consultation with health workers to better understand how they use the area and what would improve their experience across the site. Taking this feedback and the surrounding environment into consideration, the work has been created to improve connections for people walking across the neighbouring campuses, provide more welcoming public spaces, and enhance the feeling of community, safety and inclusivity.

Haley advised “Spaces we use to transition into and out of work modes are a chance to reset our focus, a moment to take a breath to ground ourselves, and remind us of our vital and unique connection to the universe and each other.

“I hope that Lunar Sway encourages workers, visitors and the community to look up and reflect on the constant gentle glow and to bathe in the changing colour light patterns as they walk.”

The work is set to transform the precinct’s laneways, providing an ongoing and evolving connection to the night-life of the surrounding area.

A five-minute walk from the final stop on the L2 Randwick light rail line, Lunar Sway illuminates Nurses Drive off Avoca Street and nearby Francis Martin Drive. Visitors can stroll to enjoy the artwork and local area attractions such as the Newmarket dining precinct on Barker Street and Randwick Ritz Cinema and cafés on St Paul’s Street.

Lunar Sway is part of a wider Laneway Art Program which was delivered across two artwork commissions –Rochelle Haley creating work for The Creative Lighting Commission and Lauren Brincat who undertook The Art & Wellbeing Commission, which resulted in a one-off, free public performance earlier this year.

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen noted “Everyone deserves to feel safe as they walk, cycle and catch public transport to and from work. We know many women often feel anxious in public spaces after dark – and women comprise around 80% of Randwick’s frontline hospital staff, often working night shifts. We’ve listened to our health workforce about what will help them feel safer, and improving lighting with this beautiful installation is a simple step that will make a big difference.

“This is one of a number of projects we’re launching as we work to make our city safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

This initiative is funded by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, which is investing $30 million over two years to help improve perceptions of safety in cities and towns, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people.