Cumberland United Football Club Redevelopment

City Collective led the master planning and architectural design for the redevelopment of Cumberland United Football Club’s facilities at AA Bailey Reserve. Our approach was grounded in upgrading the existing infrastructure to meet contemporary standards while ensuring the facility remained inclusive, flexible, and sustainable. Working closely with the City of Mitcham and the club, we explored two design options: refurbishment and a full rebuild. We ultimately recommended a staged renovation that delivered improved player, spectator, and community amenities while retaining the building’s structural fabric to reduce cost and environmental impact.

A key challenge was balancing the club’s growing needs, particularly the rise in female participation, with the physical constraints of the site and budget.

Our design introduced flexible, Football SA-compliant changerooms, accessible spectator seating, and a clear separation between public and player zones to enhance safety and match-day operations. Sustainability was embedded through passive design, rainwater harvesting, and solar-ready roof structures. The result is a revitalised, future-ready facility that strengthens community connection while preserving the legacy and footprint of this long-standing club.