Pasadena Community Centre changed the way the City of Mitcham delivers community infrastructure by moving from a traditional “design, consult and deliver” model to a genuine co-design and place-based approach. The project itself originated from community advocacy, with local residents identifying the opportunity to purchase the former Sea Scouts Hall and create a long-awaited community hub for Pasadena and St Marys. Rather than consulting the community on a predetermined design, Council invited residents to become active partners in shaping the project’s vision, priorities and outcomes.

A formal community reference group was established before an architect was appointed, and a series of workshops, design sessions and ongoing conversations informed every stage of the project. Community members identified the core values of belonging, flexibility and care for people and the environment. These values directly influenced project decisions, including retaining and repurposing the existing building, incorporating highly accessible and inclusive design features, and creating flexible spaces that would adapt to changing community needs.

The project also changed internal Council practices. A cross-functional team involving Property, Community Connections, Engineering, Open Space, Traffic and Transport, Maintenance and IT worked collaboratively throughout the project, ensuring social, environmental and operational outcomes were considered together rather than in organisational silos. This approach has since influenced the delivery of other Council projects and strengthened a culture of collaboration across the organisation.

The long-term benefits are already evident. The centre provides a permanent, accessible and sustainable community hub for an area that had lacked dedicated community infrastructure for decades. Community members continue to be involved in governance, activation and programming, creating a strong sense of ownership and stewardship. The project has strengthened social connection, improved inclusion, built trust between Council and community, and established a replicable model for delivering community-centred infrastructure that creates lasting social value.

Photography: Images courtesy of City of Mitchem