By NICOLE WILLIAMS
LAND in Narre Warren will be transformed into a soaring eagle as the Casey Cultural Precinct design was announced today.
ARIA award winning singer, Guy Sebastian, visited the City of Casey to announce the winner of the design competition for the $125 million project.
Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), a leading Australian architectural firm who were awarded the World Building of the Year at the 2013 World Architecture Awards, contributed a contemporary and innovative design that beat the competition.
At the announcement, Richard Francis-Jones fjmt Design Director, compared the roof design to that of an eagle’s wings.
“It is an amazing privilege to work on this project,” he said.
“I don’t think there is anything like this in Australia or the world.”
The design draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, local culture and the history of the area.
City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett said it was a striking design which was a ‘vision for the future’.”The winning design is striking, engaging and functional and will ensure the Casey Cultural Precinct will be an inviting central heart for the community that celebrates participation, belonging and civic pride,” he said.
“The design is a fantastic outcome for the community and will be a welcoming place for everyone to come together when it opens in 2017.”
The winning team was selected by a four-member design jury comprised of industry leading professionals, including independent architectural experts and representatives from council.
A competition to name the new precinct was also launched at the event and the winner will be able to attend the VIP opening and star in a video with comedian Ben Price to announce the name.
“As part of the project, one creative individual, or perhaps an entire school class or sporting club, has the opportunity to make history by suggesting the winning name for the Casey Cultural Precinct,” Cr Ablett said.
“The Casey Cultural Precinct will be the place for the community to share in art, culture, entertainment and recreation and we are looking for a name that represents its many purposes and what it means to the community.”
Enter the naming competition online at www.caseyculturalprecinct.com.au or by submitting a hardcopy entry form available from City of Casey offices in Narre Warren, Narre Warren South or Cranbourne.
The competition closes 5pm, Friday 14 March and the winning name will be announced in April.
