Stephen Collier Architects has won a competition to upgrade the heritage-listed Juanita Nielsen Community Centre at Woolloomooloo which has been given the green light to begin construction in 2014.
The architects said that the upgrade will focus on providing 'strong connections with the surrounding context' and will be arranged in the form of a spiral within the historic structure of the existing building.
The childcare and community facilities are arranged around a full height central courtyard which will serve to naturally ventilate and draw light into the building.
One of the main features will also be a winding staircase will lead to a roof garden terrace which will showcase views of Woolloomooloo Bay and the harbour beyond.
The streetscape will also receive an update along with a makeover of the building’s façade and footpath as well as lighting improvements.
The building has a rich history as it was originally built in 1888 in Victorian Regency style and served as a warehouse building comprising of six stores over two levels.
In its early years it was home to a paint shop, brass foundry and the Wattle Brand Eucalyptus Oil Company.
Between 1897 and 1921, parts of the building were used by the Woolloomooloo Free Kindergarten, which assisted families in poor, urban areas and it has continued to this day to offer activities and services for the community.
Following its renovation in 1984, the building was named after publisher, conservationist and community activist Juanita Nielsen, who lived in Woolloomooloo and went missing in 1975 following her vocal protest against the demolition of historic Victoria Street terraces.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said of the project:
“It has been 20 years since the centre opened and in recent years, with the increased use of its facilities, it has become clear a facelift is necessary to meet the demands of residents and other users.
“This project will allow the centre to improve its out-of-school-hours program and increase its services for the over-55s," she said.
