Chrofi and McGregor Coxall have won a design competition for a village green and community centre in Macquarie Park, Sydney.
The project will sit at the heart of Midtown MacPark, a housing development being built by Frasers Property with designs and masterplanning by Bates Smart, Hassell, Cox and Candalepas Associates.
Along with the open space, the development includes a range of community facilities that will be open to the public.
McGregor Coxall director Philip Coxall said the design aimed to create an inclusive space where the community building, with its pool, gym and range of other amenities, sits comfortably within the landscape.
“Our design creates a dramatic place for people to explore,” he said. “The landscape and architecture amplify the experience of a sunken garden, utilizing level changes throughout the topography to create a destination worthy of exploration.”
The village green will offer a pleasant view to surrounding apartment buildings, while also offering space for community activities such as movie nights, markets and workshops. The green space will be integrated with a 25-metre swimming pool and a 434-square-metre gymnasium, available on a pay-as-you-go basis.
There will also be a mixed-use space containing a community centre, a cafe and multipurpose rooms, all connected by a verandah.
“While providing a unique aesthetic, the site maintains optimal functionality through the plaza and green space’s connectedness to the fitness and leisure amenities in the floor below,” said Coxall. “With shared swimming and exercise facilities, outdoor gardens, seating and a playground for children of all ages, the public domain provides a safe place of equal engagement and treatment for individuals from all walks of life.”
Frasers Property plans to build around 3,300 apartments at Midtown MacPark over the next 10 to 12 years.
