Planning a sustainable future for Charleston Community Centre
Charleston is a small town in the Adelaide Hills, situated along Onkaparinga Valley Road and the Amy Gillett Bikeway.
The Charleston Community Centre is a treasured local asset for its diverse recreation facilities and as the social heart of the district, bringing people together for a range of activities, events and as a place to enjoy with friends and family.
Uniquely, the Charleston Community Centre is owned by the community and on freehold land.
Jensen PLUS was engaged by the management committee in early 2024 to prepare a plan that guides the future strategic development and use of the site, ensuring it aligns with the visions and needs of the local community into the future.
“At just under one hectare in size, the Charleston Community Centre is a hub of activity and also plays a fundamental role in the area’s bushfire resilience,” says Reb Rowe, Senior Urban and Regional Planner.
“The local community enjoy using the bike park, tennis and netball courts, playground, basketball and exercise equipment.”
Despite its broad appeal and popularity, there has been a mostly piecemeal approach to the site’s development to date.
“We were tasked with considering how the site could be developed in the future through the lens of a growing community and shifting needs.”
The project commenced in February with an engagement session with the centre’s management committee.
“Through this workshop, we guided the management committee to determine their vision for the community centre, and how it might meet the needs of not just the local community but the broader region into the future.”
Desktop research into local demographics and benchmarking facilities, uses and proximity to other amenities uncovered a range of opportunities for the centre, which were presented as recommendations in a report to the committee in June 2024.
“The recommendations included simple upgrades of existing barbecue facilities, shelters and rest areas, to the provision of accessible play equipment and areas suitable for all ages, to adaptive use of facilities for non-sport activities such as markets or outdoor cinemas, says Reb.
Improved pathways and accessibility between all the areas of the community centre is also recommended in the report.
“With the Amy Gillett Bikeway in such close proximity to the community centre, there is opportunity to leverage commercial hire fees from cyclists needing overnight accommodation or rest stops on multi-day treks.
“Of course, we strongly suggest that any proposals for change of use should be put to the community for comment and feedback — consultation is a critical part of change and planning for community assets.”
As the project progressed, it became increasingly obvious to the project team that the Charleston Community Centre is an important community asset.
“The centre brings together families and encourages active play for children of all ages, so how this site is developed or purposed in the future will have a significant impact on the township and community,” Reb reflects.
“There is a lot of care and love for the centre and the people who use it — and it was rewarding to work with a group of people who are so committed to ensuring the future of this community-owned asset.”
Community Centre Committee Member Veronica Forsayeth, says the committee were impressed with the thought and consideration that the Jensen PLUS team gave to the future sustainability of the Charleston Community Centre.
“Working with Jensen PLUS was the best choice for us. They made every effort to understand who we are, our history and how people are currently using the facility.”
Read more about the project here.
