Maribyrnong Civic and Community Precinct

Breathing new life into a civic landmark

Introduction

We were appointed by the City of Maribyrnong as Conservation Architect to provide advice through construction to the project team to refine design objectives and support the discharge of heritage permit conditions.

In 2022, Maribyrnong City Council commenced construction at the Maribyrnong Civic Precinct to provide a new community park and administration building, to house Councils civic administrative functions, alongside the restoration and refurbishment of the significant Footscray Town Hall (fmr). Designed by Joseph Plottel, and featuring polychromatic face-brick and terracotta tile, the two-storey American Romanesque building was completed in 1936.

Adaptive heritage solutions informed by on-site discoveries

Our staged schedule of conservation works, including drawings, supported the team with the implementation of prioritised internal refurbishment and external conservation works.

As construction progressed, the latent condition and extent of previous intrusive change to the building became apparent. Under the careful guidance of our team, refinement of the pre-construction design was necessary to preserve significant fabric whilst delivering upon client objectives and permit requirements.

Following the removal of the c1980s additions, the new design interface and conservation of the extant 1936 south elevation required additional review to address previously concealed, irreversible change. On-site prototype and review of repairs was critical to ensure appropriate works occurred to balance previous damage with a sound heritage outcome.

We worked collaboratively with the design and construction team to successfully deliver this important community project. The project integrates prioritised, heritage repair to conserve and incorporate the 1936 building as part of the broader renewal of the civic precinct.