Koorie Heritage Trust Building Expansion

Koorie Heritage Trust were expanding its tenancy at the Birrarung Building in Fed Square, to occupy all three levels and create a stand-alone and independent First Peoples art and cultural centre. DLG SHAPE were engaged to deliver the works, which involved the refurbishment of existing areas on Levels 1 and 3, and demolition and fitout of the additional space on Level 2. The design of the space – the result of a collaboration between Greenaway Architects, Architecture Associates and led by Lyons Architects – incorporates elements of the previous fitout, while also enhancing the connection with Country and community.

The scope included a public foyer, two public exhibition gallery spaces as well as collections display cabinets, retail store, multi-purpose meeting and function rooms, an education space, breakout zones and sitting areas, an exhibition preparation room and staff boardroom with tea point. The project also included essential services upgrades, including advanced temperature and humidity-controlled conditioning systems, AV requirements for meeting rooms, a pre-action sprinkler system for collection zones and exposed services to gallery spaces with a track system for high-performance lighting solutions.

This project was completed within a live environment among one of Melbourne’s busiest public interfaces, while Level 3 of the building remained operational for the majority of the build period. To ensure a seamless construction program and preserve the quiet enjoyment of the spaces that remained open to the public and Trust staff during the build, the works were meticulously staged, reflecting the project’s commitment to both efficiency and community engagement.

This project took home a win at the Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards for Excellence in Fitout $5M-$10M.