Heffron Centre

Maroubra, NSW, Australia

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Heffron Centre

A Shared Space for Sport and Community

The Heffron Centre serves as a dedicated space for the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club (South Sydney Rabbitohs), an indoor sports center, and a gymnastics facility. This $58 million centre, the result of a private-public partnership between Randwick City Council and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, was designed with the community in mind, combining professional sports facilities with accessible spaces for local residents. The Centre offers high-quality amenities, including two multi-purpose indoor sports halls, a gymnastics facility, modern changerooms, administrative offices, and viewing areas for parents and participants. It also houses the Rabbitohs’ high-performance and community center and educational and community programs.
  • Client

    Randwick City Council with South Sydney Rabbitohs

  • Location

    Maroubra, New South Wales, Australia

  • Sector

    Entertainment

  • Discipline

    Wayfinding, Experiential Graphics, Placemaking, Interpretive

  • Architect

    CO.OP Studio

  • Photography

    Brett Boardman

Enhancing Accessibility Through Design Strategy

Our team worked to ensure that the Heffron Centre is easy to navigate and welcoming for all visitors. We developed the wayfinding strategy and designed both interior and exterior signage, including large building identification signs, to guide users effortlessly through the facility. Beyond navigation, we fused experiential design elements that celebrate the legacy of the Rabbitohs and the community’s connection to sports.

Empowering Local Communities

The gymnastics centre was thoughtfully planned by Randwick City Council to serve as a resource for the local community, from grassroots programs to competitive training.

By designing a space that meets current needs while accommodating future growth, The Heffron Centre ensures long-term support for gymnastics and other sports, empowering participants of all ages and skill levels.

Celebrating the Rabbitohs’ History

Capturing the history of the Rabbitohs was central to our design process. As one of Sydney’s oldest rugby teams, their 100-year legacy needed to be preserved while balancing the Council’s broader community objectives. We incorporated the Rabbitohs’ signature red and green colors into their spaces, complementing these with neutral tones to differentiate community-focused areas. The clear distinctions in the layout guide visitors, with Rabbitohs’ administrative spaces to one side and community areas to the other.

It was inspiring to create multi-purpose, welcoming space that embraces sport, community, and history!

Find out more about the Heffron Centre here.

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