Work on our new $2.6 million kidzspace centre at Kangaroo Flat is underway. In this new blog we meet the Bendigo builders and sub-contractors using their expertise to make our dream a reality.
FLEXIBILITY, safety and accessibility were key considerations in designing the landmark Kidzspace children’s and family services centre that is under construction in Kangaroo Flat.
CBA Building Designers accepted the brief to create a state-of-the-art community-focused building that was open, inviting and ever-changing, with spaces that could evolve with the needs of the public and user groups.
Shane DeAraugo and Simon Bedson took about eight months to come up with final plans for the Bendigo Community Health Services facility, which is due to be completed in October.
It will house a range of health and allied services aimed at improving the long-term outcomes for vulnerable local families, as well as hosting various community activities for children.
Kidzspace in Helm Street will be the first centre of its kind in regional Australia and the designers say they are pleased to be involved in such a revolutionary project.
“It’s a way of giving back and supporting the growth and development of our community, in particular our kids,” Shane and Simon agree.
“Providing safe and inviting environments is important.”
CBA Building Designers provided a total master plan for the site moving into the future, instead of simply creating a single building on a parcel of land.
But the job was not without its challenges.
“Every public building has its design issues, restrictions or limitations and this site and project was no different.
“Key points included budget and time constraints, ageing of the existing building stock, limited and sub-compliant services, a limited open site area with restricted access, and an existing public building that must remain open during construction works.
“The project was purpose designed to flow with the existing building stock while also working with all future stages to the site and master plan.
“The construction method was also critical to provide minimal disruption to the site and the day-to-day workings of the operations within.
“As a result, a portal frame design evolved which gave us the opportunity to provide exciting spaces and visual statements, to provide the building with its own identity and presence.”
CBA Building Designers has undertaken many other community and public projects for organisations including St Luke’s, headspace, BCHS, Doxa School, the Catholic Education Office and Interchange Loddon Mallee Region.
Director Shane DeAraugo has also taken part in an executive sleep-out to promote awareness of homelessness.
“One of our principles in business is “family first”: whether it’s committing to family holidays or caring for an ill child, that will always be first, and our community involvement and activities is just a natural extension of that.”