In a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War One, the development application for the new $106 million Harbord Diggers development was lodged on 4 August and now awaits council approval.

An architecture design competition for the redevelopment of the current buildings and surrounding site was launched in September 2013 and saw an integrated masterplan from Architectus Consortia trump a quality field of five design groups.

Architectus Consortia, which comprises Architectus, Chrofi and JMD Design (landscape architects), have now lodged their detailed design with Warringah Council and seek the approval of the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

The design incorporates four new buildings and the adaptive re-use of the existing Club building over the Club’s existing, acquired and Crown land. It will feature seniors independent living apartments, a new Club, associated members service areas, child care centre and a fitness and aquatic centre.

^The plan incorporates four new three-storey buildings (top left to bottom centre) that are 8.5metres in height and will house the seniors living apartments. Adjacent to these include the Club buildings which will house the majority of the amenity including restaurants, cafes, aquatic and fitness facilities and members areas.

Architectus Consortia responded to the following key deliverables from Mounties Group, the Harbord Diggers owner, with:

  • A design approach informed by the local landscape character and one that enhanced views and accessibility.
  • An integrated articulation of buildings along Carrington Parade and Evans Street with the local character
  • A World class hospitality and entertainment facilities that take advantage of extensive northerly aspect and a high quality Seniors Living Village
  • Modern community facilities including a childcare centre and fitness and aquatic centres
  • Improving access to the Club from Evans Street and Lumsdaine Drive

THE PLAN

The Club:

The club will house the majority of the amenity,including lounge/bar, restaurants, function, cafe, gaming, fitness centre, aquatic centre and community facilities.

Developed in response to the coastal location, the Club’s interior palette will focus on natural materials and natural light. Sandstone walls and timber joinery will provide warmth and exterior reference while reflective materials will ensure natural light penetrates as many spaces as possible.

The buildings’ exteriors are designed to be robust and low maintenance, with sandstone dominating the urban edge of the club building.

Below: Palmy Gully will provide natural light and ventilation to the club and fitness centre. It will include existing palms and a reflection pool. The planned plaza will incorporate natural flora and a link for residents and public to amenity and apartments.

Seniors Living Village:

Consolidated within the Architectus design is an integrated four building apartment complex, designed for senior living with tailored services. It will include full pedestrian access to the Club, new carpark facilities and improved access to the surrounding streets.

The apartments are oriented to capitalise upon the views available from the north-west through north-east and around to the south, and designed to permit future adaptability in accordance with SEPP Seniors Living.

The apartments generally have multiple aspects for enhanced natural ventilation.

Landscape:

A heavily weighted feature of the design is the incorporation of extensive landscaping and flora reference to the site’s locality—a naturally vegetated headland that demarcates the popular Freshwater and Curl Curl beaches.

A mix of native species will be planted, including the two threatened species identified in the Ecological Report, Eucalyptus scias and Rulingia hermaniifolia.

The application has now been lodged with Warringah Council and is available for public viewing for 28 days.

After the public exhibition the Warringah Council will undertake a technical assessment of the proposed redevelopment and then make a recommendation to the JRPP.

The JRPP is comprised of Council representatives and other representatives appointed by the State and will make the final decision on the application.

Images: newdiggers.com.au