Eden is a coastal town in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia.
The Eden Welcome Centre is a celebration of the town’s main industries of fishing, forestry, and tourism, standing as a symbol of optimism for the town.
Designed by Cox Architecture and located on the old fisherman’s co-op site in Eden, the centre facilitates over 100,000 cruise passengers arriving in the local region each year.
The centre has two floors with an approximate size of 1,000 square metres.
The ground floor is the new home of the Eden Visitor Information Centre and the Bega Valley Regional Gallery pop-up exhibition.
There is also an area for market stallholders with amenities.
The first floor offices are for Port Authority of NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Transport for NSW personnel.
COX Director David Holm said, “Informed subtle design choices have provided locals and visitors with an outcome that enhances its place, and is for its people.”
The new veranda structure to shelter market stalls has enlivened the waterfront.
The sheltered space shades occupants, taking advantage of its northerly orientation with natural lighting for the depth of the market.
Large slatted timber doors extend the veranda when open.
The Cox building design is modular, allowing for future growth.
The building contract was awarded in 2019 to Rankin Builders, a well-known and respected local firm that had previously worked with Cox Architecture on the Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf project.
In early 2020, site establishment and demolition of the project commenced.
Construction was completed in May 2021.
Approximately 40 local subcontractors worked on the project for more than 10,000 hours.
One apprenticeship was created as a result of the project.
The structure and cladding have been made from recycled timbers sourced from various locations in regional New South Wales and Victoria and native hardwoods from the region.
The Welcome Centre project incorporated recycled materials wherever possible.
Of note are the copper nails that were salvaged from the 1959 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race contender Jindivik.
They were used to nail the copper end caps onto the roof rafters.
The Jindivik was one of six yachts that retired from the 1959 race.
It was moored in Eden until a storm washed her onto the rocks and into nearby bushland.
Other sustainable initiatives include:
- using recycled timber throughout the building
- installing solar cells on the roof
- installing energy-efficient LED lighting
- installing rainwater tanks
- reusing greywater for non-drinking purposes
The Pambula-based Destination Agency worked with a local historian and other local stakeholders to prepare a Heritage Interpretation Plan which was based on the following key themes:
- Eden’s maritime history and key industries
- Aboriginal history and storytelling
- Wildlife artwork panels
The maritime history pathway has captured the diversity, international connections, industry, entrepreneurship, and importance of Eden as a maritime destination through the lens of ship arrivals.
Created by local stonemasons, the plaques have been embedded into the exterior walkway of the Welcome Centre.
The Aboriginal history and storytelling recognises and celebrates the deep and ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to Yuin Guyangal country.
The stories have been written by a local Dharawal man with strong Yuin connections, with the support and approval of the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Stories have been embedded within timber panels on the ground floor interior and depictions of local wildlife have been routed into external timber panels.
The artworks were designed by Yuin artist, Cheryl Davison, whose work has been showcased by the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
Project sponsor, the Port Authority of New South Wales, opened the Eden Welcome Centre in mid-2021, ready for revived cruise operations.
Project Details
Building Area – 1,000 m2
Building Levels – 2
Completion Date – May 2021
Project Team
Project Sponsor
Port Authority of New South Wales
Port Authority of New South Wales (Port Authority) manages the navigation, security, and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in the state of New South Wales in Australia.
Architecture
Cox Architecture
COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.
The key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities. Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.
Construction
Rankin Builders
Over the last 38 years, Rankin Builders has established an excellent reputation as commercial construction specialists, operating with integrity and reliability across the far south coast of New South Wales.
Photography
John Gollings
John has been the photographer of choice, the go-to guy for many Australian architects.
He is renowned for his ability to almost always compose the best shot, the one defining image that makes a building memorable, etches it into the psyche.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2022 Cox Architecture. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2022 John Gollings. All Rights Reserved.
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