Victoria’s planning minister Richard Wynne and Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle opened a new community facility at Melbourne’s Docklands on Saturday 20 February.
The new Community Hub at the Dock, designed by Hayball, joins the Library at the Dock by Clare Design (design architects) and Hayball (architects of record) and Buluk Park by Aspect Studios and Oculus as part of a civic precinct at Victoria Harbour.
“Allied with the Library at the Dock, the Community Hub completes a diverse provision of community and recreation services to meet the needs of a truly liveable city,” said Hayball project director David Tweedie.
The building takes its material cues from the surrounding marine industrial buildings of the wharves. Glazed windows at street level provide permeability and allow pedestrians glimpses of boating activities on the water. The building’s cranked, extended roof form on the eastern side acts as an urban verandah facing Bulk Park.
The $8.5 million two storey facility includes a new boating shed on the floor, home to the Docklands Yacht club, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association and the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club. Community and family services occupy the upper level with consultation rooms for maternal and child health, a kindergarten, rooms for group programs and an outdoor play area.
The project was a collaboration between the City of Melbourne, the state government and Lend Lease and is now operated by the council.