Project Introduction
La Trobe University is aiming to become the nation’s premier sports training centre through the development of the La Trobe University Multi-Sports Park Facility. A new Sports Centre Building is proposed for the eastern edge of the site, incorporating cutting-edge research and laboratory facilities, six indoor courts, and an international-standard show court. Located on a 60-hectare site in the south-west corner of the University’s Bundoora campus, the Sports Park will provide a dynamic environment for sport, active recreation, teaching, and research.
Key Project Challenges
The design challenge lay in integrating the Sports Centre Building within a broader, high-performance sporting landscape. This includes synthetic universal pitches, natural turf fields, water-based synthetic pitches, AFL ovals, and a baseball diamond-all requiring seamless spatial planning and connectivity. The scale and diversity of facilities demanded a flexible and future-proof design that could accommodate a variety of users, from community participants to elite athletes, while complementing the University’s long-term campus vision.
Key Project Innovations
The Sports Park is envisioned as a national learning hub where local, state, and national sporting organisations can collaborate and access La Trobe’s leading expertise. The facility will enable elite sport programmes and high-performance organisations to operate alongside academic and research activity, creating a unique ecosystem supported by some of Australia’s foremost researchers in sport, exercise, and rehabilitation. This co-location fosters innovation, knowledge exchange, and a culture of excellence across all levels of sport and education.
Client
La Trobe University
Location
Bundoora, VIC, AU
Primary Sector
Sports & Community
Value
$25M AUD
Project Years
2021 – 2023
Services Provided
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape
Project Team
Project Director – David Cooke
