Open House Melbourne is kicking off Melbourne Design Week with the Open Nature program, hosting six events across May 18- 26.
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay residents will have the opportunity to take a guided walk and tour of the proposed Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre on Sunday, May 21.
Lead architect Eduard Ross will be taking participants on an hour-long walk and talk at HD Graham Reserve In Altona Meadows, near the proposed site for the centre.
Mr Ross said participants will hear about the plans for the centre and what can be expected next.
“The walk will inform people about what exists on the site in terms of natural assets as well as the purpose of the project from a nature perspective,” he said.
Mr Ross worked with a team of architects including Indigenous architect Jefa Greenaway, who looked at the integration of indigenous design into the project.
“Mr Greenaway has brought in the Indigenous story and made us aware of sensitive issues,” he said.
The centre is designed to be a community space for education and gathering, equipped with gathering spaces, research areas and a cafe.
“The centre’s purpose is to be a community asset that connects people closer to nature, while protecting the area and connecting people with the landscape,’ he said.
The project is currently in the ‘funding advocacy stage’ which means Hobsons Bay council is seeking funding from sponsors and other interested parties.
“The project has been in this stage for this year but council is optimistic on getting the project moving forward, we have seen a lot of support from council and the greater community,” he said.
There will be two tours at 1pm-2.30pm and 3.30pm-5pm, and bookings are required.
Details: events.humanitix.com/a-vision-for-hobsons-bay-wetlands-centre
Jennifer Pittorino
