When an unlisted 1885 Victorian Gothic building is deemed unsafe and the options are to retain or demolish, it takes a brave, passionate community to save an iconic building and choose major refurbishment.

Formerly the Yarraville Primary School, the Yarraville Community Centre occupied the building since 1975. In 2006, when demolition and new build was suggested, the community voiced its attachment to the crumbling brick and sandstone building and the decision was made to retain.

The Yarraville Community Centre caters for a broad range of programs requiring multi-purpose environments for contemporary community education. The functional aspects of the design brief were resolved in design solutions which were balanced against the cultural significance of the building.

GroupGSA/WMIA engaged in a thorough process of community consultation, resulting in a design which reinforced the existing associations of this iconic building within the community.