A TOWER WITH PURPOSE

Working with Sue Barnsley Design, Right Angle Studio and SGS, Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ) made the proposal for Penrith City Council's Soper Place Design Competition. Unanimously chosen by the selection panel, the design combines a playground on an arched brick base with a commercial tower and carpark.

Aiming to address the need for carparking, recreational facilities and entertainment venues, the project includes parking, open space, a roof garden and a shaded playground area that can double as an area for community events.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said to "think of it as a building with two characters [with] the low-rise section [having] space for play, performance, markets and music. The design fulfils the council’s planning goals of creating a liveable, sustainable city and provides an example for future developers to follow.”

Council hopes the tower's commercial spaces will attract businesses to the area.

Construction is set to begin in 2020 for an opening in 2022.

Via ArchDaily | Images courtesy of Durbach Block Jaggers