From the architect:
Studio Nine Architects were engaged by the City of Marion to design a $15M multi-functional sport and community complex – the first project to specify a newly released wall cladding profile.
The centre was completed in June 2022 and replaces an ageing facility, tripling the current building footprint with a new two storey building that houses sporting facilities for football, rugby, tennis, cricket, basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton.
Including clubrooms and change rooms for oval and court sports, multi-function spaces and two indoor multi-purpose courts, the development also includes two outdoor tennis courts, three retractable cricket nets, facilities for the local dog club and a new car park. The integration of a community centre replaces the previous Mitchell Park Neighbourhood Centre, activating the site throughout the daytime to deliver a wide range of community programs.
Drawing inspiration from the site's history as an orchard, the concept explores the ideas of grafting and lifecycle of stone fruit, translated into the built form through curved lines, colour graded screens and a strong response to the surrounding context.
“We wanted the building to sit comfortably within its context, reaching out and providing views onto the adjoining ovals and parks,” says Project Director Justin Cucchiarelli.
“To break down the large scale of the building, we surrounded the high volume courts with single story elements, with materiality taking cues from the adjoining residential properties.”
Early stages of the project involved a high-level of stakeholder consultation to consider the needs of all existing and potential user groups, ensuring the new facility serves the community’s broad recreation and sporting needs. The inclusive facility caters to the vast range of cultural, economic and other demographics of the greater community. A high focus on accessibility has been incorporated to accommodate both able and non-able-bodied patrons of all ages.
