Katoomba Civic Centre Arcade

Project Location

Katoomba, NSW

Client

Blue Mountains City Council

Project Team

Jesse Mowbray, Christopher Roehrig, Sarah Veas, Jessica Freeman, Nicole Manley, Irene Vidal Gudel

Photography

Andrew Merry

Situated within a historic township, this project revitalises a key public forum by transforming an existing building into a vibrant, community focused arcade that strengthens local economic activity and supports tourism. By blending the public realm with an intimate arcade setting, the design creates a welcoming destination that encourages people to gather, stay longer and engage with nearby businesses. Flexible spaces for community events, outdoor seating, art installations and work hub facilities—including meeting rooms and co working spaces—provide opportunities for social connection while fostering local enterprise and attracting visitors. Guided by our heritage team’s Streetscape Analysis Report and Statement of Heritage Impact, the project adopts a multidisciplinary approach that integrates history, architecture and place based character. This informed the adaptive reuse strategy, ensuring the design conserves and enhances the site’s heritage significance, which dates from the 1910–1940s. By retaining and celebrating the building’s historic fabric, the project reinforces the township’s identity and creates an authentic setting that appeals to both locals and tourists. The result is a contemporary public space that delivers meaningful community benefit while contributing to long term economic vitality and heritage conservation outcomes.