Watsonia Neighbourhood House Feasibility Study

Public Policy

Client: Banyule City Council

Since its establishment in the early 1990's, the Watsonia Neighbourhood House has been a popular and expanding community service.  Whilst a number of improvements and extensions have been made to the existing building, the Neighbourhood House is not a purpose-built facility.   Subsequently there are a number of issues impacting the centre's ability to continue to meet the community's needs including; limited space, access impediments and increasingly stringent health and safety regulations. 

The vision for the Watsonia Neighbourhood House is to be a facility that offers adequate office space, storage facilities, multi-purpose rooms, small meeting rooms and communal meeting spaces.  Importantly, the facility is to retain its 'homely' feel and to act as one of Banyule's five eco-living demonstration centres.

Capire Consulting Group was appointed by Banyule City Council to complete a feasibility study and design for the redevelopment of the Watsonia Neighbourhood House that reflected the vision of Council, the centre's users and volunteers.  The feasibility study:

  • Determined the current and future needs of the facility through consultation
  • Determined the scope of the development
  • Considered existing facilities in the area and assess the extent to which these facilities  can help to meet demand at the Watsonia Neighbourhood House
  • Considered previous studies and plans that have been undertaken for the facility
  • Developed schematic architect plans for the redevelopment of the centre including outdoor areas
  • Identified costs of the proposed redevelopment
  • Identified potential funding sources

The study process involved a design workshop with users of the Neighbourhood House, as well as key stakeholders.  The workshop allowed users of the house to verbally and visually articulate their needs and aspirations, as well as rank priorities with regard to financial and spatial constraints.

The projecty culminated in two concept options for the redevelopment of the Neighbourhood House.  A vision and direction were clearly articulated and documented.  The concepts and design guidelines can be easily applied in the detailed design process.

Collingwood Community Information Centre Evaluation

Client: Yarra City Council

The evaluation of the Collingwood Community Information Centre (CCIC) was completed by Capire on behalf of Yarra City Council.  At the time of the project, the CCIC was funded to June 2010. The evaluation was triggered by the need for funding partners to determine future funding arrangements.

Dandenong Municipal Wide Early Years Infrastructure Plan

Client: Greater Dandenong City Council

Capire Consulting Group was engaged to undertake a Municipal Wide Early Years Infrastructure Plan in response to the City developing an integrated approach to the provision of early year's facilities and services.

Agata Chmielewski

Agata is an Associate Director at Capire Consulting Group. Agata has an extensive background is in social planning and policy development. She has undertaken social impact assessments, community infrastructure needs assessments and feasibility studies which have informed a number of urban revitalisation, civic amenity and structure planning projects and growth strategies.

Amy Hubbard

Amy Hubbard is a Director and co-founder of Capire Consulting Group. She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, social planning and community development. Amy has worked with public and private sector organisations in Australia and overseas enabling her to develop a versatile approach to specific project objectives.

Mollie Keating

Mollie's professional experience has involved planning for and working with CALD groups, people with disabilities and in particular with our ageing population.