Endeavour Hills Community Precinct reclaims a former car parking space adjacent to Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre and an existing skatepark, to create an iconic new plaza which provides the local community with a diverse range of recreational opportunities and programs. The project is an outcome of several years of community input, discussion and debate. The final design brings together all the community’s input and ambitions for leisure space, forest walks, a family space for kids to play, a cafe and social space. There is an active element to the Youth Precinct including an all level wheeled sports facility, adventure play and public gathering opportunities. Enlocus worked closely with the project client, City of Casey, to design and deliver a centralised recreational hub which promotes the wellbeing of the local community.
From its inception as a Precinct Masterplan, Stage One included the delivery of a new public square, with the inclusion of a kiosk and improved pedestrian links to the area’s community and leisure precinct and the Endeavour Hills Library. Stage Two aimed to deliver the dynamic new skate facility and youth precinct in the location of the existing skate park, incorporating multi-use elements.
The client was committed to extending the range of activities available to the growing number of families within its shire. The predominant objectives were to revitalise the precinct and upgrade some of the disconnected elements, to create a coherent social, sporting and play precinct, with a competition level skate bowl as its primary drawcard. The existing facility, though popular amongst the local skate community, needed to attract a broader range of users and address access and opportunities for all local residence. The new skate facility incorporates elements which challenge all active young rollers and riders. Set within a gradual rolling topography there was opportunities to create moments for viewing and refuge to look over the active sport, play and recreation precinct.
In collaboration with City of Casey the facility’s social areas feature integrated and accessible play, skateboarding, and park land leisure, which when fully developed, will create an interlaced arboretum over pathways, picturesque shaded seating and areas for rest and contemplation.
The upgraded network of pedestrian pathways and links, facilitate the safe circulation of visitors around the precinct, inviting the local community to explore the site and experience the wider range of activities provided. The entry to the Neighbourhood Centre is now greeted by a canopy of trees with a comfortable pathway leading from the lower carpark up to the café, library and leisure and fitness centre.
Critically the Endeavour Hills Youth Space is centrally place where all young people and families can meet, in a safe, vibrant and healthy social environment. Encouraging participation leads to chance encounters within the community. This expands awareness and appreciation, builds social networks and provides the community with a place of value and positivity. This is now a place where friends can encourage and support each other, young children can play, a place for impromptu music and a place to perform. A local event brings out all the best in this vibrant and diverse local community.
Client : City of Casey
Civil and Structural Engineer : Matrix Group
Lighting and Electrical Engineer : Webb Australia
Main Contractor : LJM Construction Aust
Specialist subcontractor : Precision Skateparks
Artist : sculpture by Anderson Hunt – Down Street Studios
photo credits : Meg Speak, Speak Photography www.speakphotography.com.au
Endeavour Hills Youth Space
Enlocus Landscape Architects
Year completed 2019
Endeavour Hills, Victoria, Australia
