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Armadale Plaza Complex
Client Brief:
The primary objective the client had was to convert a run down thirty plus year old local shopping centre into a modern retail and cinema complex. This single objective in the client’s brief resulted in a series of other requirements that had to be addressed in order to obtain the desired objective. These included but were not limited to:
- Interfacing the RSL Memorial Park into the development.
- Re-landscaping the Third Road and Jull Street malls and streetscapes.
- Maintaining the existing tenants within the development while causing a minimum amount of disturbance to their ability to continue trading.
During all phases of the design and construction period many local authorities and local action groups were liaised with.
Explanation of Client Brief and the Design Solution:
The existing run down development was reinvigorated by adding large areas of floor space to contain more specialised retail outlets and also by adding some large showroom tenancies. The major drawcard for the revitalised centre was the Grand Cinema complex; the integration of this tenant into the complex also affected the overall design and façade treatment. The existing street façade was completely redesigned and extended to give a definant and recognisable character to the centre and also made it more sympathetic and inviting to the existing mall and streetscapes. Large and iconic entries were added on both Jull Street and Third Road, giving a focus point to the centre and drawing potential customers to the internal malls. The resultant design allowed the centre to completely revitalise all of its surrounding areas, not just the retail outlets contained within the centre.
The portion of Memorial Park directly adjacent to the new cinema complex was re-landscaped to include three memorial walls, which are to be utilised by the local RSL. Existing trees were retained while sheltered seating areas, meandering pathways and an alfresco dining area were added to help integrate the plaza into the park and minimise the impact of the cinema walls on the park.
Vibrant reds and greens with metallic Colorbond sheeting were used to finish the building externally. This aided in giving the building a contemporary and energised atmosphere that intentionally set it apart from other ‘beige’ suburban shopping centres. Internally warm neutrals were complemented with earthy tones and finishes as the backdrop to the specialised retail tenants.
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