Pyrmont Community Centre

The Pyrmont Community Centre—housed in the heritage-listed former Pyrmont Public School designed by William Kemp in 1884—has undergone a thoughtful transformation led by Welsh + Major. Commissioned by the City of Sydney, the project revitalizes this cherished community hub, enhancing its functionality while respecting its historical significance. The design introduces a new 60-square-metre community room, an expanded gym, improved accessibility with a new lift, and upgraded facilities for childcare and community programs. The architects describe their approach as “elegant, minimal and gentle,” aiming to create a cohesive space that serves the community for the next 50 years and beyond.

What sets this project apart is its seamless integration of contemporary needs within a historical framework. The new addition features textured and smooth-faced concrete facades, light-colored powder-coated steel columns, and clerestory windows, all designed to harmonize with the existing structure. The refurbishment also includes the demolition of unsympathetic 1990s additions, allowing the original architecture to shine. Construction, carried out by Belmadar, commenced in September 2022 and was completed in March 2025.

Group DLA were engaged as the appointed Accredited Certifier / Principal Certifying Authority (PCA), responsible for issue of Construction and Occupation Certificates over the multi staged program. Our involvement included the assessment of extensive Fire Engineered and Accessibility performance