Old Menangle School Site, Menangle, NSW

Located in the regional town of Menangle, NSW, the school building, constructed in the 1870s, served as a vital educational hub for the local community until the 1970s. After that, the site remained idle, gradually succumbing to the effects of weather and age. Set for demolition, the community rallied together to preserve this historically significant building. Their efforts were successful, securing $1.35 million from a combination of government and business grants.

The project aimed to restore the building while respecting its heritage, and to transform its surrounding area into a vibrant social and recreational hub for the community and the nearby retirement village. In collaboration with designers, contractors, and our client Growth Civil Landscapes, the area was revitalized into a multi-use park. The building was restored and repurposed as a community hall, and the surrounding space was developed into a play area with BBQ facilities, providing a welcoming spot for families to socialize and visitors to enjoy.

To maintain the historic aesthetic, we were delighted to contribute park furniture from our Metro and Integra ranges. The sleek, minimalist lines seamlessly integrated into the overall design, while the option to choose from over 55 colors allowed for earthy tones that complemented the local flora and connected the site to the nearby Nepean River - an area of great historical and cultural significance to the Tharawal peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land in the Sutherland Shire. Our Contour BBQ, with its spacious design and added sink, created a comprehensive facility for gatherings of all sizes, making it an ideal space for families to enjoy together.

The project has been a success, with the revitalised space not only honouring the region's rich history but also fostering a sense of community by bringing people together socially for generations to come.