A former school in Melbourne’s Brunswick will be permanently redeveloped into a vibrant creative hub, designed by Kennedy Nolan in collaboration with Openwork and Finding Infinity.
The 33 Saxon Street location, known to locals as Siteworks, is part of the Brunswick Design District and home to First Nations contemporary art gallery Blak Dot.
Since 2016, Siteworks, managed by These are the Projects We Do Together, and Blak Dot have undertaken temporary activivation of the former school site at 33 Saxon Street and created a low-cost, carbon-neutral creative community facility that offers affordable and flexible meeting and education spaces for the people of Moreland.
With close proximity to the town hall, library and a contemporary art gallery, it has operated successfully as a cultural precinct for residents, and the council believes that long-term investment in the future of the space will drive greater community benefits.
The existing buildings, however, are not fit for purpose, and consequently, many of the facilities are now unsuitable or have grown tired and run-down.
The existing Siteworks at 33 Saxon Street.
Image: Moreland City Council
The temporary activation of the site has created a future vision for the creative hub. In November 2021, the council endorsed the final concept plan for the redevelopment of the site and appointed Kennedy Nolan was appointed to lead the design.
“Siteworks and Blak Dot operate with a remarkable culture of generosity and openness to the community,” said Kennedy Nolan director Victoria Reeves. “As we design the buildings and spaces in between for a new era on this site, we’re very aware to continue this legacy.”
The redevelopment will include large public open areas for outdoor events and recreational activities; a new community-use facility suitable for occasional childcare; creative production and exhibition spaces at affordable rates for artists; a hospitality space; and improved connection to the Brunswick Baths.
Consultation with stakeholders and community members revealed a desire for a welcoming and diverse space that is both aesthetically and inspirationally pleasing. It should provide a “peaceful oasis” that fosters a sense of community and belonging, while promoting playfulness and experimentation.
The proposed redevelopment builds on consultation with the local community back in 2018.
Image: Kennedy Nolan
The future site will maintain Siteworks’ low-impact ethos that promotes eco-friendly practices such as community composting and recycling, but with improved infrastructure to support the site’s growing range of activities.
“Moreland has a long and proud history of being the location of choice for prominent artists,” said Moreland Mayor Mark Riley. “This redevelopment will create much-needed space and opportunity for artists, community members and creative industries in Brunswick.”
The redevelopment will create 3,500 square metres of floorspace for artists and community members, including 2,500 square metres of outdoor space, and spaces with flexibility built into their makeup.
Construction will begin in 2023 and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.
For more information visit the Moreland City Council website.
