A revitalised community hub

As times change, so do community needs. Thankfully, careful consideration and a keen eye for the future can help revitalise aged and under-utilised facilities and draw out their full potential.

Such was the case with Dingley Community Centre, a site at Melbourne’s south-eastern corner previously consisting of a library and a hall. Significant refurbishments catered for broader needs of the community and new façade screening elements were added to bring together the quite disparate styles of the buildings while still reflecting the historical context. Main street frontage engagement was also increased through a series of outdoor spaces intertwined with an existing ANZAC memorial.

Despite forming part of the area’s community hub and being within walking distance to the local business district, a distinct lack of connection to the streetscape and community was noticed. For this purpose, a new central hub and foyer link was designed to provide a through connection from the main street and the rear local sporting reserves as well as better interconnectivity within the centre.

New facilities include spaces for gatherings, a community garden, counselling and consultation rooms and a childcare facility. Car parks can be converted to market spaces for increased weekend usage, and a maker space included to encourage small businesses and social

Overall, NBRS are pleased to have created this new space with the Dingley community – a place to learn, relax, gather, socialise and thrive. We look forward to seeing the wonderful things the community achieves through this vibrant new space.