Redfern is celebrating a significant achievement as the newly transformed 119 Redfern wins the National Trust Heritage Awards architecture prise.
Aileen Sage Architects is in charge of this transformation, which honours the region’s historical and cultural roots while creating a flexible, community-centred space.
A Historic Transformation
Located at the site of a former post office, the two-storey building at 119 Redfern has been revitalised after extensive collaboration with local communities. The project, overseen by Aileen Sage Architects, aimed to create a space that honours its heritage while serving the modern needs of the community. The importance of maintaining Redfern’s Aboriginal heritage is one of the key initiatives of the City.
Cultural Reclamation
The transformation of this 19th-century building into a multipurpose community hub presented numerous challenges. Key upgrades included the installation of a lift, reflecting the building’s clock tower, and significant improvements to accessibility. The building now features flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, including a dedicated room for family research. These modifications respect the historical fabric of the structure while ensuring it meets contemporary standards.
Design Rooted in History
Aileen Sage’s design approach stripped the building back to its original brickwork, made from the clay of the land on which it stands. The detailing and linear patterns throughout the building draw inspiration from the local ironbark and turpentine forests, as well as the powerful owl’s feathers, symbolising resilience and connection to the country.
A Living Culture
119 Redfern is envisioned as a vibrant space for various community events, from workshops and exhibitions to casual gatherings over tea. Programme manager Tracey Duncan, a Gomeroi woman, stresses that this centre is not just a repository of materials but a place alive with people’s experiences and knowledge. The centre aims to be a culturally safe environment where stories, traditions, and knowledge are preserved, shared, and celebrated.
Community-Centred Design
The City of Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel played a crucial role in shaping the vision for 119 Redfern. Through surveys, workshops, and pop-up stalls, local communities contributed their ideas, highlighting the need for a space that connects culture to identity and fosters community unity. This consultation ensured that the centre was co-designed with the very people it aims to serve, providing a strong sense of ownership and involvement from the start.
Future Prospects
Now open, 119 Redfern invites local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and community members to use the space and bring their ideas to life. The centre’s programming will remain flexible to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Tracey Duncan envisions the space hosting cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, choir performances, and even yoga classes. This flexibility reflects the dynamic nature of the community it serves.
A Commitment to Cultural Sustainability
The establishment of 119 Redfern fulfils a promise made in the City’s Eora Journey, a programme promoting the cultural, economic, and social sustainability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By purchasing and converting the building, the City of Sydney demonstrates its commitment to maintaining Redfern as a vital centre for Indigenous culture and activism.
Published Date 20-June-2024
