Our passionate locals had spent years dreaming, scheming and campaigning. They are the inspiration and the reason for the community centre’s redevelopment.

But the dream had to be big enough for everyone. For the folk who had never set foot in the existing library. For the teenagers more interested in manuals (its a skate boarding thing) than Mozart.

We designed and led engagement that acknowledged the work to date and added to the people, activities, economies and ecologies that this place could serve.

You need to demonstrate demand, forecast benefit and prove that you can keep the place financially viable (because there is likely minimal funding for that).

We work hand-in-glove with our economics consultants to target the sweet spot between ambition and viability. We iteratively explore programming, spatial needs, workforce requirements, revenue streams and costs to hone in on what precisely will work for your community.

Strategically located in the heart of town, our site had many assets (like a creek and great connectivity) as well as a few challenges - like a major road frontage.

Our masterplan pushed the buildings to the southern edges to:

• define the precinct

• enhance the high street

• block trucks trundling past and

• open the precinct up to the sunny northern aspect