Forrest Centre Gymnasium and End of Trip Facilities

Hames Sharley was originally engaged by the Insurance Commission of Western Australia to increase the capacity of the small existing gymnasium and bike racking cage to provide premium facilities for the tenants of the two 30-year-old high rise Forrest Centre buildings. These would complement the existing swimming pool, tennis and basketball court.

The Forrest Centre Gym is located on the ground floor of 219 St George’s Terrace and includes a fully equipped gymnasium and circuit/ yoga zone large enough for 20 participants. A pixelated graphic inspired by exercise has been applied to the glass wall at the reception which oversees the gymnasium. The surrounding walls are clad in full height mirrors broken by back-lit acoustic timber panels which provide a strong contrast to the black rubber flooring and white acoustic layered feature ceilings. A new compliant lift and staircase were installed to provide access to the existing sports deck above.

The male and female changerooms include 5 showers, toilets and 10 lockers in each. Large Corian benches contrast the flooring, and timber lockers provide facilities for hair, makeup and shaving.

From relocating basement storage and plant room services, we have created a bright and fresh feeling secure bike storage area for 190 bikes and 140 exhausted lockers. Tenants have a selection of different bike storage facilities including ‘D’ rails, vertical racks and very secure individual enclosed bike lockers. The users have access to a bike mechanic station, food and drink dispensing machine and drink fountain. The bike storage area provides direct access to the 221 St Georges Terrace tower.

Basement tenant car parking bays under the 219 building were reclaimed to provide a new End of Trip changeroom and locker facility with 40 male and female showers, 166 exhausted lockers and a drying room. Each changeroom is provided with an ironing station, hair drying, makeup, shaving facilities and provision for towel service.

Feature strip lighting in the changerooms creates a dynamic motif running along walls and ceilings. This follows the building’s underlying design concept of contour lines. Contour lines are associated with Lord John Forrest, who is a renowned Australian explorer, Surveyor General and was the first Premier of Western Australian in 1890 before moving into federal politics.

To improve the car parking traffic flow from Mounts Bay Road to St George’s Terrace, the driveway and bin storage facilities were re-aligned. Additional ticket machines, boom gates and compliant accessible bays were introduced to provide a streamlined facility for both tenants and visitors.

Working within the confines of the existing 1983 and 1987 buildings created many challenges. A collaborative and proactive approach was critical to achieving an outstanding outcome.