Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Building

The major redevelopment consisted of refurbishing and conserving the heritage listed Footscray Town Hall, demolition of the existing Council buildings, and construction of a new building that serves as the Council’s new civic and community hub and a new community park. The project will deliver a sustainable, contemporary, and long-term development that is fit for purpose for the delivery of the Council’s and the community’s facilities and services.

Our ESD team led the Green Star submission and set out a strategy to uplift ambitions from a 5 Star As Built rating to a 6 Star Green Star Buildings rating. Our building services team designed low energy and fossil fuel free systems including an all-electric thermal plant, underfloor air distribution system and a 70kW solar PV. Building performance modelling was conducted to assess operational energy reduction, as well as daylight modelling to optimise internal environment quality and a life cycle assessment to analyse upfront carbon emissions. Additional sustainability features include rainwater harvesting and a hybrid timber structure.

“Through a collaborative effort between DesignInc and Cundall, the new building design achieved leadership for responsible finishes and structure, and exceptional performance for upfront carbon emissions and responsible envelope. This was achieved through the use of structural timber columns and roof framing, timber internal finishes, carbon neutral certified products including concrete, plasterboard and metal framing system, and more than 25 material products with recognised third-party certification.” Said Hannah Blossom, Director of Sustainability.