Rocky Bay has partnered with multidisciplinary design practice Hames Sharley to design a leading health and community hub in Belmont.

Hames Sharley was selected following a competitive process with a number of leading design firms. Its proposal for Rocky Bay’s almost 2-hectare Belmont site showed a strong understanding of the organisation’s requirements and, aspiration to create an integrated community space.

Rocky Bay’s Managing Director Michael Tait said that Hames Sharley’s proposal was outstanding.

“Their submission provided us a rich understanding of how we can best use our location within the Belmont precinct. The architect’s ‘Building in the Park’ approach will elevate our hub’s design to connect with Belmont’s natural and built environment.”

“Their approach to developing our masterplan for the site gives me the confidence that we will be able to design a hub that achieves our vision of building a vibrant, inclusive space that is accessible and inviting,” Mr Tait said.

Hames Sharley Principal Andrew Tang-Smith said the project was one the whole team felt strong alignment with – to enable people with disability to live their best possible life.

“The new Rocky Bay site has the unique opportunity to strengthen the arterial connection between Belmont’s civic and community heart to the river by providing a new community anchor on the journey, so we’re inspired about creating a world-class facility with the core purpose of community integration.”

Hames Sharley Director and Western Australia Studio Leader, Brook McGowan said the project provides a unique opportunity for the team to demonstrate their skills.

“This project is an opportunity for Hames Sharley to leverage our cross-portfolio and interdisciplinary expertise to truly draw out every ounce of potential from the site. The purpose of the hub aligns with our own core mission – to enable communities to flourish – so we’re excited to deliver this new nexus of activity and community identity to Rocky Bay.”

The proposed design will be finalised in early 2023, however the initial architectural concept for stage 1 illustrates a connected series of pods covered by a canopy of walkways, connecting the community, clinical and paediatric hubs together. The concept also features a large, landscaped communal space with paediatric outdoor play areas.

Rocky Bay will be engaging with the local community over the coming months to showcase the design and proposed services it will be offering. To find out more about Rocky Bay’s vision for the future and to register for updates, visit: https://www.rockybay.org.au/our-future/