The Victorian Pride Centre is a step closer with the announcement of St Kilda-based firms Grant Amon Architects and Brearley Architects and Urbanists as the winners of the Pride Centre design competition.
Jude Munro AO, Chair of the Victorian Pride Centre board said the winning design is outstanding and will immediately make the Pride Centre iconic and uplifting.
“With over 18 submissions received, we wanted the winning design to be a building that our LGBTQI community can be proud of owning, a place of celebration and a safe sanctuary. This design is inspirational and more than satisfies these criteria,” said Ms Munro.
“The building is due to open in 2020 and our aim is for the Pride Centre to be a catalyst for the revival of Fitzroy Street and to fit into the St Kilda design vernacular which this design does superbly. I would like to thank the jury for their tireless pro bono work on the Design Competition committee.”
The entries were judged by an expert panel comprising: Jury chair Dimity Reed AM (retired architect, academic and writer); Tim Bamford (principal, Tim Bamford Consulting); Stephen Barrow (Victoria Pride Centre board member); Sophie Dyring (Schored Projects); Peter Elliott (Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design) Jill Garner (Victorian Government Architect); and Shane Murray (dean, Monash University, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture).
The Victorian Pride Centre will be part funded by the State Government who in 2016 contributed $15 million to the construction of the facility to showcase LGBTQI art and history as well as bringing together advisory, health and support services.
The Pride Centre is also fortunate to have the support of the City of Port Phillip who are making a significant investment in the project. Mayor Bernadene Voss she is proud the Council’s $13 million contribution will help provide a home with services for the LGBTIQ community – as well as a place where everyone can meet, collaborate, share ideas and enjoy social and cultural events.
“The project is now truly underway, and Port Phillip Council is delighted the innovative vision of two talented St Kilda architects will take pride of place on this iconic street as a locally loved landmark and visitor drawcard,” said Cr Voss.
This space will also serve as a hub for LGBTI groups and organisations to share ideas and resources and to further their work in supporting equality, diversity and inclusion across the state. The Victorian Pride Centre will likely house 10 major LGBTI organisations including JOY FM, the Victorian AIDS Council, Minus18 Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Midsumma Festival, LGBTQI Multi Culture, Multi Faith Organisation, Switchboard, Team Melbourne and the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
Ms Munro said the centre is an important project for all the community. “With the recent outcome from the marriage equality vote and accompanying legislation, this building will serve as a legacy to the historical change that occurred in Australia last year,” she said.
For more information about the Victorian Pride Centre, visit: www.pridecentre.org.au for details.
Image: Victorian Pride Centre Winning Design – courtesy of Grant Amon Architects and Brearley Architects and Urbanists