On May 11, 2009 City of Mount Gambier was awarded $5.0m from the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program for the Public Library/Community Centre and Main Corner Development - part of the Towards 2015 Vision For The Future. Council moved quickly to form a Design Collaborative Team to develop concept plans for community consultation and approval of Council. Nine weeks on and the Design Collaborative Team (DCT) have developed the concept to the stage where it is now presented to the community. A Community Open Day was held at the City Hall for people to view presentations from the DCT architects, receive information about the project and speak to members of the DCT This notice is provided to those who could not make it to the Community Open Day. Council and the DCT encourage you to view further information on the Main Corner Development (check details at the bottom of this page) and, if you would like to, provide us with your comments by filling out the tear off slip at the bottom of the page, email us or find us on Facebook.

The Main Corner Development is a key component of Council’s “Beyond 2015 - A Vision For The Future” strategy to create a cultural and heritage precinct centred around the City’s main corner. Incorporating the Riddoch Art Gallery and Cave Garden the precinct will be developed into a bustling public space, able to be used for a variety of purposes. The new landscape elements and buildings will be iconic in design enhancing an already attractive community area, complimenting the State Heritage listed buildings and expanding its use for a wide range of cultural and social activities. One of the key elements of the project is to refurbish the upper areas of the former King’s Theatre (now Riddoch Art Gallery) premises to ensure its long term preservation and for community use as a vital part of the entire precinct.

The design brief and vision for the Main Corner Development comprises the following four (5) main elements:

1. Demolition of the former RSL building at 1 Bay Road.
2. Landscape elements that bring the Cave Garden to the Main Corner. The new layout will ensure linkages and open vistas through to the Cave Garden, Civic Centre and new Library.
3. The ground floor and basement areas of the Riddoch Art Gallery premises will include:
The retention of the front offices with improved access; creation of a theatrette and separate multifunctional/occupiable community space linked to the adjoining civic buildings and ground floor; access from basement to upper levels noting emergency evacuation requirements.
4. The ground floor and basement areas of the Riddoch Art Gallery premises will include:
Enhanced entry to the Riddoch Art Gallery; reconfigured and enhanced access between levels (basement, ground floor, stage level, administration level and renovated first floor); effective undercover unloading zone; new toilet facilities and work room including disabled access.
5. The installation of a commercial kitchen to provide a complete conference and events facility.

Design Form
- Minimal site impact/dominance – 36% of site used
- Landscaping used to fill void left by removing RSL building
- Angle of new development to match New Library increasing vistas
- Vertical element as an abstract section through a ‘Cenote’
- Feature living ‘green wall’ wraps around the building to create shade & lead the eye into the Cave Garden
- Entrance canopies provide shelter & draw the visitor into the building
- Sculptural canopies provide historical/geological reference & shelter

Functionality
- Maximum permeability between all internal zones/spaces
- Maximum flexibility of spaces for multi-purpose use
- Maximum permeability results in less sanitary/ancillary requirements
- Commercial kitchen & Studio One now considered as part of the development

Cr. Daniel McDonough - City of Mount Gambier
Michael Silvy - Project Architect, City of Mount Gambier
Stephen Herbert - Consulting Architect
Richard Woods - South East Heritage Adviser
Ken Lloyd - Chief Executive, Country Arts SA
Graeme Hopkins - Landscape Consultant
Lucia Pichler - Director, Riddoch Art Gallery
A display is available in the Civic Centre courtyard for public viewing. Join our on-line mailing list at onebayroad@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or register your details at the City Council - 87 212 555 Further information www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au - Beyond 2015 section or find us on Facebook - Main Corner Development