When an unlisted 1885 Victorian Gothic building is deemed unsafe, and the options are to retain or demolish it, it takes a brave, passionate community to save an iconic building and choose significant refurbishment.
The Yarraville Primary School and the Yarraville Community Centre have occupied the building since 1975. In 2006, when demolition and a new build were suggested, the community voiced its attachment to the crumbling brick and sandstone building and decided to retain it.
Our Melbourne studio team and WMIA engaged in a thorough community consultation process, resulting in a design that reinforced the community’s existing associations with this iconic building.
The Yarraville Community Centre caters to 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 that balanced the building’s cultural significance.
Adrian is an Associate Director and architect specialising in innovative and sustainable design. His extensive experience includes working on various projects, such as community buildings, sports facilities, educational institutions, and aged care facilities, each with its own unique design challenges.
