On Thursday evening, 18 April 2024, the community co-design group came together for the first time.

Participants heard about the project opportunities, constraints and other key information, including the results of previous community engagement.

Dividing into smaller groups, they agreed on the behaviours they wanted to work with as a group and then moved into developing the vision and principles for the precinct. They were asked: ‘In 30 years’ time, what do you want the hub to be like and what design principles would help achieve this?’ Built form, landscaping, movement, community experience and access were all discussed.

Each smaller group reported back their ideas to the main group. Project architects also attended to hear locals’ ideas and hopes for the site.

Two days later (on Saturday 20 April 2024), the group reconvened to review and confirm the vision and principles to guide the design stage.

The session began with further discussion about the inclusion of housing on the site. With a range of perspectives in the room, some expressed concerns about the non-negotiable inclusion of housing, while others showed support. Officers clarified Council’s position that housing will be an important component of the site to ensure affordable rental housing options for local key workers.

Groups then got to work at their tables, unpacking and problem solving the range of opportunities and challenges for accommodating housing within the space.

A briefing from the project architects followed, which provided an overview of important considerations when designing this type of community space. Groups then had an opportunity to wander around the space, discussing options and getting a better idea about where things might be best placed, and how the overall space might work.

After the site visit, each group worked on designing a draft concept plan, using scaled cut outs of the various facilities to be included on site. These plans were then presented to the larger group. There were many common concepts/design principles present across each group, as well as some suggested differences about where facilities might be located. The enthusiasm and passion that filled the room was a great reflection of a collaborative and productive day of work.