Broadbeach Community Precinct, The Albert Waterways Community Centre
The City of Gold Coast engaged MODE to develop a Master Plan for the Broadbeach Community Precinct, transforming the site into a vibrant cultural and community hub.
Client: City of Gold Coast
Location: Mermaid Waters, QLD
MODE Expertise: Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape Design, Wayfinding
Completion Date: Early 2023
Broadbeach Community Precinct
The City of Gold Coast engaged MODE to develop a Master Plan for the Broadbeach Community Precinct, transforming the site into a vibrant cultural and community hub. The vision aimed to physically and visually connect existing buildings and outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive and contemporary precinct that reflects the Gold Coast lifestyle.
Project Scope & Design Approach
MODE was commissioned to deliver the concept and reference design for a two-stage Design & Construct (D+C) procurement process, guiding the revitalisation of the Albert Waterways Community Centre and Life Education Centre.
Originally built in the 1970s, the Albert Waterways Community Centre had become underutilised. MODE’s design expanded and redefined the space, integrating it with the adjacent library and Life Education Centre to form a multi-functional hub. The redevelopment included:
A new skillion roof, creating a striking glazed lobby that acts as a visual beacon, enhanced by a shading screen that pixelates light in the evening.
A revitalised amphitheatre and breakout space, fostering engagement and interaction.
New flexible meeting, conference, and event spaces designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
A shared car park and landscaped forecourt, seamlessly linking the site’s key community facilities.
A Lasting Legacy for Broadbeach
MODE’s sustainable site planning approach prioritised adaptive reuse over demolition, ensuring cost efficiency and long-term community value. Now completed, the Broadbeach Community Hub integrates a Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, Life Education Centre, Children’s Centre, and Library, all connected through high-quality riverfront landscapes and shared infrastructure. Delivered in early 2023, the project showcases a rare achievement in local civic architecture, balancing design excellence with financial responsibility.
Collaboration & Excellence
This project exemplifies successful collaboration between MODE and second stage tenders winners (Paynters, Peddle Thorp, and 8LA Landscape Architects). While MODE and Peddle Thorp worked independently, both teams remained dedicated to preserving MODE’s original design intent, navigating value management and cost challenges, post COVID, to deliver an exceptional community asset.
By maintaining a high standard of design in the Cultural Centre while optimising costs elsewhere, the team has delivered a landmark precinct that will serve the Gold Coast community for generations to come.