Warrandyte Community Centre Outdoor Upgrade

Design now finalised!

• View the final design file
• Watch a 3D animation of the planned improvements

We would like to thank everyone in the community who provided feedback on the concept design for the Warrandyte Community Centre Outdoor Upgrade.

The community response to the first draft concept was mixed, with just over half of those responding not liking the total concept design. There were some elements that almost everyone welcomed, and some suggestions that just aren't possible within the site constraints. 

The key messages from the first stage of the engagement were:

• Accessibility and safety through the site is extremely important.
• The orientation and formality of the rock amphitheatre within the space needs to be in keeping with the natural flow and not over-developed.
• The significant changes to the existing hill’s slope and removal of grass space were "a bit too much".
• The proposed use of Purple Mudstone rocks, would be out of character with the Warrandyte area.
• We could do more to address the lack of trees and shade.

In response Council has listened to the community and revised the design to provide the following changes:

• Provide a lower-key series of curving bands of stone clad steps for informal seating and access through the site.
• Additional native planting, including 6 new trees made up of Red Box and Yellow Box trees, for shade.
• The use of Coldstream boulders and Castlemaine slate that respects the natural character of area.
• Improved accessible design for the new picnic table area, and connecting paths, including a new hand rail leading to the Warrandyte Community Centre.
• Minor changes to the hill’s existing gradient, that assists with access and functionality.

The revised plan was accepted with enthusiasm by stakeholders, including tenants of the Community Centre.

Based on community feedback, our objective has been to make the area:

• A natural and quiet area with an amphitheatre (performance space), that could be easily scaled, and played on by children.
• Easily to access from the Community Centre.
• A safe space - include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
• A flexible and creative space – where locals would like to hang out, picnic or participate in small local events.
• Attractive to young people.
• Integrated throughout.
• A space with seating options to support local traders and the creative industries.

A key component of the design is also to address the current drainage issues.

We are still exploring possibilities for First Nations art within the space and will be updating the community as this progresses.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS: 

Works are anticipated to begin this June and be completed in July 2022. Due to supply shortages, the Castlemaine stone cladding for the steps will be installed later in the year, however the concrete base for the new steps will be completed, and usable to the public in the interim period.  Additionally the improvements to the kerb and pram crossing will also be completed later in 2022.