Dixon Park Redevelopment

Working closely with lead consultant Otium Planning, via the director Dave Lanfear, we were required to undertake the preparation of varying concepts for the expansion of The Wally Hagan Centre, Dixon Park.

Paterson Architects undertook two concept designs; one being the expansion of the existing centre, the second being a new six court basketball complex which was also designed to provide change and toilet amenities for players, an umpire’s room, first aid and access to a café for the external playing fields adjacent to the indoor sports centre.

The indoor centre had to make efficient use of the site, so we created a central spine to cater for the six courts, which also included a seventh exhibition court with retractable seating. Adjacent to the new car park was the entry area consisting of an entry foyer, kiosk and seating area, crèche with external play, public toilets, change rooms, multi-purpose and meeting rooms, umpires’ rooms and offices, first aid and circulation.

Located on the first floor above these facilities was a large gymnasium and function space. This level also provided access to clubrooms and stores, a gallery space over the central spine for viewing over the courts and access to the tiered seating when in use for the exhibition court.

At the ground floor entry, a dedicated lobby was provided to allow after hours access to the gymnasium whilst isolating the balance of the centre. This lobby included stair and lift access.

Land tenure for the site is one of the challenges for the successful completion of this project, so a hybrid eight court complex was prepared. Similar in nature and functional planning to the six court complex, this concept with additional two courts extended beyond the current site boundaries. The final resolution of this scheme will/ may include discussion between varying government agencies to finalise the extent of the site.