The Autumn Centre, constructed in 1993 and located at Lot 1589 McNicholl Street, Rockingham, is the City of Rockingham’s only dedicated activity centre for older people. The Centre plays a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the City’s seniors community by offering an active and social environment for residents aged 60+ to pursue personal interests and build support networks.
An action was included within the previous City’s Seniors Strategy 2017 – 2021 to “plan and conceptually design for improved functionality, useability and capacity of the Autumn Centre for consideration in the business plan”.
To implement this action, a study was completed in May 2021 which identified a number of short, medium and long term recommendations. These included a proposed redevelopment of the building to meet the projected growth in the senior population.
The Autumn Centre Redevelopment Project is included in the City’s Community Infrastructure Plan, and the design phase is currently underway. The design focuses on improving the functionality of the Centre to better support current operations and services, while also addressing accessibility and compliance issues due to the age of the building.
Proposed improvements to key areas within the facility include:
- Reconfiguration of the entry and staff offices
- Expansion of the foyer and gallery area
- Covering and enclosing the alfresco seating area (City Park side)
- Relocation and expansion of the kiosk
- Amalgamation of the IT room and library
- Upgrade and refurbishment of the UAT, men’s, and ladies’ toilets to improve accessibility and compliance.
What areas of the Centre will be changed, and what are the benefits?
- Relocation and expansion of the café
- The café will be moved and made bigger.
- There will be dedicated preparation areas for food and drinks.
- Creation of a more comfortable and functional space for café staff.
- Easier for customers to order and collect their meals.
- Enclosing the outside alfresco near the lake
- This space will become a covered activity and seating area.
- The café will have an external serving window.
- Will be able to be used in all weather.
- Amalgamation of the IT room into the current library
- These two areas will become one modern space.
- It will have a fresh design and be easier to use.
- There will be a dedicated computer area and space for IT equipment.
- Expanding the gallery and foyer
- This area will be bigger and more modern, reducing crowding during busy times.
- There will be new seating areas and better access throughout.
- Improving the entry and staff offices
- The volunteer desk will move to the right side of the entry.
- The new desk will be lower for easier access.
- The layout will be more open and welcoming.
- Other improvements
- Better air conditioning and lighting throughout the Centre.
- Refurbished toilets for comfort and accessibility.
What changes are planned for the toilets?
All toilets will be modernised. There will be larger cubicles with grab rails for easier use.
How will the Centre support people with mobility issues?
Desks will have lowered sections for wheelchair access. Toilets will be upgraded for easier use. Extra space in the foyer will make moving around easier.
When will the project start?
Planning and Design is happening currently. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Mode Design Pty Ltd was appointed in April 2025 for the Provision of concept, schematic and detailed designs.
The concept design was endorsed by Council at the August Council Meeting.