Redeveloping communal spaces at Rushall Park and Leith Park

Maddison Architects have been appointed by OCAV to draw up concept designs for the redevelopment of communal spaces at Rushall Park and Leith Park.

The appointment follows OCAV Council’s go-ahead earlier this year to consider ways of updating and better using the communal spaces in the two villages.

Phillip Wohlers, CEO, said that after the major housing developments in both villages, it was time to reconsider other parts of the villages.

“The current spaces are out of date, and do not reflect the diverse interests and needs of our residents,” he said.

The buildings to be redeveloped include the kiosk and maintenance space at Rushall Park and the community hall at Leith Park.

“We were impressed with the experience and expertise that Maddison brings to this important work, not least because of their approach to ensuring the best possible results for people with a wide range of physical and mental abilities,” Mr Wohlers said.

Maddison’s team includes founding director Peter Maddison, director Drew Carling, and associate director Misha Manzur.

They have partnered with specialist advisor Helen Fearn-Wannon of Access Architecture who has a wealth of experience of working in and on projects for older people.

Helen’s past projects include TLC Aged Care in North Fitzroy, Barwon Health Hub, Mernda Retirement Village and Assissi Aged Care and Retirement Living. Maddison has been engaged on a diverse range of projects including Transport, Fed Square, Royal Melbourne Hospital, North Fitzroy House, and Eureka Levels 88-89.

Central to the concept designs will be the universal design goals which are body fit, comfort, awareness, understanding, health and wellness, social integration, personalisation and cultural appropriateness.