Engaged by the SparkNELP, Cley Studio has transformed a former bank on Heidelberg’s high street into The Link, a jobs and training centre that is also suitable for broader community use.

Contrasting with what one might expect from a standard, transactional facility of this type, the initial vision for project involved upskilling, inclusion and community connection. The client wanted a space that felt accessible, safe and welcoming.

As the project progressed, that vision became more finely tuned to the realities of the existing structure, budget and program. It had to be realised within the constraints of a former retail bank.

One of the biggest challenges was transforming a previously compressed, deep and underlit space into a light filled, legible and welcoming environment. The existing structure limited access to natural light and imposed a tight structural grid.

The team responded by stripping back the existing fitout to reveal the underlying framework, then inserting a large double height void in the roof space to connect the ground and first floors and allow daylight to penetrate into the depths of the plan.

Layering public and secure zones in this way, the architects were able to stay true to the original intent. They were able to create an interior that supports meaningful engagement between staff, visitors and the wider community.

Balancing flexibility, safety and operational requirements was another key challenge. The centre needed to accommodate a range of activities, from one-to-one conversations to group training and events, while operating with minimal staff.

The design addressed this through a variety of room typologies, clear front of house and back of house delineation, and strong visual transparency between zones to enable passive surveillance.

Now complete, the Link aligns with Cley Studio’s broader commitment to purpose driven, community focused environments that prioritise experience, clarity and inclusion. It reinforces the idea that government and infrastructure adjacent spaces can become inclusive places that genuinely support people.

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