The Community Art Centre aims to lower the barrier for entry to the arts. Creating a space which nurtures growing talent and champions local artists.

There are classrooms for teaching and learning new skills; a workshop and open plan studio for collaborative work and practical classes; private studios for hire; two permanent galleries for displaying art; and a flexible event space for up to 140 people. The main lobby is a large space which can host temporary exhibits, or market stalls – selling both art made in the centre and produce grown in the allotments. Three large doors open onto the plaza allowing the market to spill outside when the weather permits. The cafe fronts the building along Albert Drive, inviting in the curious general public – from the cafe you can see hanging artworks above and a glimpse of the first gallery which may encourage you to explore further.

The upper floors are pushed back from the street, giving a sense of continuity in eaves heights along the main elevations. The structural grid follows a similar rhythm to the tenement bays, and datum lines are taken from the striated stone, informing the brick soldier courses. The building hopes to be harmonious with the existing streetscape. The design keeps all services central to the plan, freeing up the perimeter for outward looking activity spaces. Two CLT cores contain lift shafts, escape stairs and sanitary facilities. A void penetrates from the lobby to the 4th floor; creating a visual connection between each floor. The structural grid expands and contracts – the scale informing the intimacy of the space. Glulam beams spanning up to 10m gives larger spaces maximum flexibility.