Designed and delivered by MODE’s Sydney studio in collaboration with Landcom and Camden Council, the 1,300m² centre brings together youth programs, community activities, events, recreation and flexible spaces for local groups.
Client: Urban Growth, Landcom, Greenfields Development Company
Location: Oran Park, NSW
MODE Expertise: Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning & Urban Design
Completion Date: 2020
AWARD
2019 UDIA NSW
Excellence in Social & Community Infrastructure
Julia Reserve Community Centre | Oran Park, NSW
The Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre provides a new multi-use community facility for Oran Park Town, supporting the needs of a growing Western Sydney community.
The design establishes a modern, youthful and dynamic identity, responding to the character of the youth precinct while creating a facility for the broader community. Located directly adjacent to the skate park, the building establishes a strong physical and visual connection between the two spaces.
A landscaped forecourt creates a transition between the skate park and the centre’s foyer, providing an informal gathering space and clear point of arrival. The curved pink roof element references the former Oran Park Raceway, translating the site’s racing history into a contemporary architectural feature.
The centre is planned for flexibility, allowing spaces to accommodate different users and activities. Youth-focused rooms support programs including dance, drama and martial arts, while meeting and event spaces can be used by sporting, community, school and training groups. A 190-seat Cultural Activity Room and auditorium provides a venue for formal and informal events, with office and meeting spaces available for short and long-term bookings.
Operable walls allow meeting and event spaces to be combined or separated as required, improving flexibility while maintaining access to natural light and ventilation. Indoor spaces connect directly with outdoor areas, allowing activities and events to extend beyond the building.
The completed facility responds to the requirements of the original brief while exceeding the expectations and vision of the client and user groups, providing a flexible community environment that will support youth engagement, everyday activities and larger events for years to come.
