Whitehorse City Council is transforming the former Nunawading Primary School site into a vibrant community hub; a place where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome and can come together to embrace new opportunities for learning, social interaction and getting active.
About the Project
Council bought the Springvale Road site from the state government in mid-2015, with a commitment to retain the land for the continued enjoyment and benefit of the entire Whitehorse community. The hub will be the future home of community groups and Council’s Meals on Wheels service, currently operating out of Silver Grove, Nunawading.
Key features
- refurbished heritage school building
- multi-functional classrooms and meeting rooms
- specially-fitted out spaces for dance, art, counselling and lapidary activities
- purpose-built Meals on Wheels facility
- communal kitchen with teaching area
- multipurpose sports stadium
- target 5 Star Green Rating (incorporating solar, water reuse, natural light, low energy, natural and durable materials)
- car parking areas for 200+ vehicles
- integration with Tunstall Park – landscaping, enhancement of open green spaces, new pedestrian and cycling paths, and areas for passive recreation.
Architectural Site and Floor Plans
Construction Program
The project is expected to take place from late 2018 to mid-2020. Throughout this period, Ireland Brown Constructions will keep local residents and other property owners informed of any changes to pedestrian or traffic movements, and mitigate against any potential construction impacts such as noise and dust, in accordance with their Construction Management Plan.
Stay Informed
For more information on this exciting project, contact the project team via NunawadingCommunityHub@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or by phone on 9262 6333.
Construction Progress
November - December 2019
The building framework, roofing and cladding was completed and rendering of the external façade began with a system that entails a multiple coat application to the external façade. Double-glazing was installed throughout the building and plastering, painting and cabinetry work started. Retaining walls were built, forming an oval-shaped outdoor passive recreation space between the hub and Tunstall Park. This area will be landscaped with low-lying plants and advanced trees to provide shade. Facilities will include bench seating, sheltered barbecue, large grassed area and pathways connecting the hub with Tunstall Park.
September – October 2019
The majority of trades are now on site. Installation of the roofing, façade, glazing and internal services, such as electrical and mechanical systems, progressed. The façade is made up of a variety of external cladding finishes, extensive ceiling to floor glazing, and louvres which will automatically open and shut depending on the weather.
July - August 2019
The interesting shape of the roofline was revealed as work on the primary steel structure frame continued. Installation of the secondary steel framing, which connects the façade to the primary structure, started and progressed around the building. Roofers started on site and design works in connection with stabilising the existing footings of the heritage building continued.
May - June 2019
With large feature wall panels and the concrete stairwell and lift tower now in place, people can see the emerging shape of the main building.
Major construction activities during this period included:
- Pre-cast feature wall panels were installed around the perimeter of the lower ground floor and some ground floor areas.
- A suspended slab between the lower ground floor and ground floor was poured.
- Concrete for the stairwell core and the lift tower was poured.
- Structural restoration works to the heritage building were underway to stabilise walls, windows and door areas. This included the installation of steel where needed and additional footings to strengthen the external façade.
- The installation of inground services such as stormwater, electricity, gas and telecommunications under the public car park was completed. Areas of the car park will now be shaped for median strips and garden beds.
- The first phase of steel structure installation is scheduled to start in June.
March – April 2019
Works were underway on most parts of the building, heritage school building and public car park.
Major construction activities during this period included:
•pouring of a concrete slab and installation of a concrete retaining wall around the lower ground level
•formwork for a suspended slab between the lower ground floor and ground floor
•preparation works for the restoration of the heritage school building (restoration will include brickwork and roof tile repairs, and replacement of timber to match the original floor)
•excavation and levelling of the main car park, and commencement of installation of inground services such as stormwater, electricity, gas and telecommunications.
January – February 2019
A range of foundational works were conducted during this period including:
•clean up of the heritage building ready for restoration – removal of old internal paint, ground pipes and damaged windows
•installation of underground utility services (power, water, gas and sewerage)
•ground preparation for the lower level concrete slab
•installation of elevator pit – ensuring the hub is accessible by people of all abilities
•installation of columns for lower ground level structural support
November – December 2018
Construction began with the removal of vegetation and bulk earth works to prepare the site for installation of underground services and foundations for the lower ground floor of the main building. Approximately 9.88 cubic metres of soil was excavated and stockpiled for re-use.
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