Perth Airport Neighbourhood Centre

Completed in 2023, Perth Airport Neighbourhood Centre services the growing population of Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs while also catering to commuters using the new Metronet train service. The centre is designed to become a vibrant community hub, with a variety of convenient everyday retail offers.

The brief was to create a convenient, clear, open-air environment that focussed on connection and convenience. Additionally, focus was applied to understanding how drive-through and ‘grab and go’ customers from all directions could be effectively accommodated, along with the more conventional weekly in-store shopper.

The design language draws reference to the Perth Airport precinct, with the main design feature being a folding, paper plane-like exterior canopy. Considered winglets at ends of spans provide points of branding and visual interest at the edges. Lighting design takes similar cues to help embolden the aesthetic. The result is a design approach that is both familiar and convenient to all, while creating something fun and unique.

Hames Sharley deftly responded to the community’s need for flexibility, not only in terms of when to shop, but also how to shop. The design, which facilitates Woolworths’ drive-through ‘Direct to Boot’ service and the centre’s convenient two-hour free parking, will adapt and respond to the community’s evolving needs over time, such as future pedestrian connections and an active public interface with the DFO.