Revisit: Belgrave Community Hub

As our current Civic Centre redevelopment for Yarra Ranges Council nears completion, we’re revisiting a previous project with council, the Belgrave Community & Multipurpose Hub.

Projects that positively impact local community are important to H2o Architects, and the new hub provides much-needed new amenity and improved access to services for locals. Completed in 2017, the facility brings together over ten community service groups, turning a previously under-utilised site into a new hub for allied community health and emergency support services.

The design and materials take inspiration from both local architecture and flora fauna, as well as the surrounding Dandenong Ranges. Silvertop ash cladding references the weatherboards of the local vernacular, while the multipurpose rooms feature a split brick clad form that echoes the handcrafted origins of the town. An undulating roof geometry introduces a gabled profile to the timber envelopes, referencing the hills of the Dandenong’s and the peaked forms of the heritage cottages of Belgrave.

We’re thrilled to be working again with the team at Yarra Ranges Council on their new civic centre. Currently in the final stages of construction, the project involves extensive refurbishment and extension to council’s Anderson Street offices into a flexible multi-purpose centre. Located within Lilydale’s main street, our design enhances underutilised public space to create a dynamic new civic hub.

The two-storey Belgrave Community Hub features offices, multi-purpose rooms, meeting rooms, counselling rooms, reception and associated amenities, a loading bay and new public plaza. Photo by Rhiannon Slatter.