Construction begins on Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Hub

Construction has commenced on the Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Hub, located in the rural city of Swan Hill, Victoria.

The project consolidates various tourism and community functions within a single building, including a lobby and entrance space with a visitor information desk, seating and a shop, a multipurpose space for exhibitions and community activities, and staff offices. Once established, the new building will provide entry to the adjacent Pioneer Settlement precinct, which is a historical hub comprising preserved buildings from the time of European settlement.

The Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Hub building is approximately 45 metres in length, 10 metres wide at the southern end and 20 metres wide at the northern end.

The project is being led by architecture firm Common ADR in collaboration with Enlocus Landscape Architecture and heritage architecture practice Conservation Studio. Common ADR and Enlocus have been involved in the project for more than five years, with both practices engaged by Swan Hill Rural City Council to conduct preliminary feasibility studies and develop early concept designs.

A key feature of the project includes the establishment of a meeting area for the Traditional Owners of the Swan Hill region (the Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa peoples). According to a communique from Common ADR, the introduction of this meeting area aligns with future plans for an Aboriginal tourism precinct development immediately across the Murray River on Pental Island.

The architects' statement noted that the building form is inspired by the region's rural vernacular. It features a series of gable roofs that mimic the triangular roof forms found in the Pioneer Settlement precinct. This approach aims to establish a relationship between the new hub and the historical precinct as tourism destinations. Additionally, the gable form was selected to break down the mass of the building along its street elevation.

The landscape design intends to establish a continuous flow from the street approach to the gardens within the precinct.

Preliminary works on the project commenced in late 2024 and foundation works commenced in early 2025. Project completion is slated for mid-2026.