BSE’s VIC team worked on stage 2 of the Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment with a construction value above $10 million. This transformation brought the 1920s Powerhouse building back to life along with the surrounding area.
Project Director: Terrence Hing
BSE partnered with the Mildura Rural City Council, Public Realm Lab, Rork Projects, and Bridge42 for this project. BSE provided design, documentation, and construction support for the electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and hydraulics services of this project. This required close collaboration with the design team in coordinating services reticulation, navigating the challenges and restrictions of the existing Powerhouse structure, whilst delivering the architectural outcomes.
Stage 2 involved the adaptive re-use of the Powerhouse building into a versatile events space. The spacious Powerhouse Hall can cater to sit-down dinners, theatre-style presentations, and standing-only events. Other smaller spaces within the building can be used for more intimate gatherings. An on-site kitchen is also available to make catering for events easier.
The project paved the way for a more permanent home for an existing café which was initially a shipping container. There’s also a kiosk which showcases social enterprises.
The Powerhouse Place Precinct serves as a hub for the community; it’s able to host a variety of events which brings people together, it has created jobs for the community, supported local businesses, and is just a great place to enjoy the Murray River.
The project received the the Victorian Architecture Medal, the Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design (VIC), the Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture (VIC), and the Regional Prize (VIC) at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.
Images courtesy of Mildura Rural City Council
