Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative has appointed the architect that will lead its proposed $26 million redevelopment project.
Wathaurong chief executive Simon Flagg announced the co-operative had recently appointed Melbourne-based architect Woods Bagot to design the redevelopment of its Morgan Street headquarters.
The replacement of the 25-year-old facility with a new facility that will also serve as a cultural community hub was identified as a priority for Wathaurong’s board.
Mr Flagg said the project was well overdue.
“Infrastructure is fundamental to meeting the needs of our community,” he said.
“Our vision is to develop spaces that embrace our cultural connection, bring community and staff together, enhance efficiency and increase accessibility, and strengthen our identity in the Geelong region.”
The appointment of Woods Bagot as architects for the project will allow Wathaurong to begin the process of engaging the local Aboriginal community to design a culturally safe and inclusive site, Mr Flagg said.
“We are thrilled to have Woods Bagot on board – they have a proven track record in delivering beautiful, functional and culturally appropriate designs,” he said.
Woods Bagot principal Bronwyn McColl said the company was excited to work with the Wathaurong community to create a cultural hub.
“We’re incredibly excited to begin our long and deep conversation with the Wathaurong community, to learn and bring their vision for the Co-operative to life, embedding genuine Aboriginal influence and agency into this design process,” Ms McColl said.
“The aspirations of the Wathaurong community are the very foundation of the design process. We can’t wait to begin the discussions that will unearth this vision.
“Alongside enhancing the co-operative’s usability, we are dedicated to creating a place that brings the community together through sincere social and cultural connectedness.
“It will be a new landmark for the Wathaurong identity in the Geelong region.”
