Officer Community Services Hub

Officer VIC, in Bunurong/Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country
Cardinia Shire Council
2024
$30m - $50m

Williams Ross Architects, in collaboration with UrbanFold and K2 Planning, were engaged by Cardinia Shire Council to undertake a feasibility study for a new integrated library/community hub facility in Officer that comprises multipurpose social spaces, community meeting rooms and library services. The Feasibility Study included a detailed needs analysis, urban design analysis, consultation and workshops, concept design and exploration of funding and procurement opportunities.

As one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire Council is experiencing significant demand for place services, infrastructure, and resources. Combined with an increasingly tight fiscal environment, the feasibility study explored innovative ways to deliver the project.

Staged development has been another avenue to consider affordability of infrastructure delivery, for example reviewing short-term opportunities in the existing, adjacent Civic Centre.

The new community hub will be located directly opposite the Civic Centre, fronting onto Siding Avenue, establishing a clear connection between the two buildings.

The Civic Forecourt has the potential to be a highly activated space and a key civic space in the Activity Centre. The forecourt is created through a generous building setback from Siding Avenue, and benefits from a north western aspect, making it a comfortable outdoor space throughout the day.

The on grade pedestrian walkway connects the two buildings. A pedestrian crossing facilitates safe and efficient pedestrian movements. This pathway creates a central pedestrian route to and from the train station.

The proposed facility includes a new library, community gathering spaces and a community infrastructure services hub.