Project Introduction
City Collective partnered with Hume City Council to lead the Craigieburn Sports & Community Centre Master Plan, a transformative project aimed at redeveloping the 11.2-hectare site into a premier community and sports precinct. Leveraging its expertise in urban design and community-focused planning, City Collective developed a long-term vision that balances modern sports infrastructure with enhanced public amenities. The plan prioritised creating an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable precinct that would serve as a vibrant hub for sports, recreation, and cultural activities.
Key Project Challenges
The project faced several critical challenges, including addressing aging infrastructure and a piecemeal site layout that hindered wayfinding and user experience. The existing facility struggled to meet increasing demand due to Craigieburn’s rapid population growth, particularly for indoor sports like basketball and gymnastics. Additionally, environmental constraints such as landfill on portions of the site, traffic congestion along Craigieburn Road, and the need to align with VicRoads’ road widening plans added significant complexity to the project.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective introduced a phased redevelopment strategy that ensures continuity of services while modernising the precinct. Key innovations included a state-of-the-art sports stadium featuring additional multi-purpose courts, a new gymnastics hall, and upgraded boxing and squash facilities. A central public foyer with active edges was designed to improve wayfinding and foster community interaction, while open green spaces, pedestrian crossings, and a dedicated drop-off zone enhanced safety and accessibility. The plan also proposed flexible, multi-use spaces to accommodate future growth and community programming, ensuring the precinct remains adaptable to evolving needs.
Client
Hume City Council
Location
Craigieburn, VIC, AU
Primary sector
Sports & Community
Value
$36M AUD
Project years
2018 – 2020
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design
Project team
Project Director – David Cooke
Design Lead – Justin Kearnan
