Port of Sale

A multi-use cultural hub

Wellington Shire Council engaged us to revitalise the historic precinct known as the Port of Sale into a multi-use cultural hub (PoSCH). The project encompassed the additions and refurbishment of the existing Shire Offices and Gallery building, originally designed as an office building in the late modern brutalist style, to accommodate civic, tourist and cultural community facilities. The redevelopment of the Port of Sale precinct provides generously designed shared space and revitalised links to the local Port, in a country town that previously lacked both a civic and cultural focus. The local residents have a strong sense of ownership of the newly colocated public library, Gippsland Art Gallery, Visitor Centre, Council Chambers, a social enterprise cafe, and flexible use meeting and workshop spaces, following extensive stakeholder and community consultation during the design. A project that is described by the local mayor as ‘bringing art to the people’ and ‘the people’s house’ the local economy is already benefiting from increased art tourism.

Courtyards become atria

The former disused courtyards have been transformed into expansive atria, with soaring curved ceilings, created two light filled atrium areas, while an amphitheatre staircase showcasing local timber leads visitors from the port to the library. The design creates links to outdoor parks, waterways and bike paths. In a town dominated by the highway, the building and landscaped address, the historic Port of Sale for the first time, tells the story of the indigenous Gurnai Kurnai People, and of Sale as an important trade route. Materials and trades were sourced locally encouraging sustainability and boosting the local economy, with colours inspired by a contemporary bushland photograph in the art gallery’s collection. A sensitive transformation has provided for a dignified public realm, flexible and durable to enable future generations to benefit.

Gallery and library

Key elements of the PoSCH include redeveloping the building to house the regional art gallery, relocation of the Sale Library from Sale College, relocation of the Visitor Information Centre, new council chambers, and provision of public use meeting rooms and art activity/workshop space.

Explore the interiors of Port of Sale.

Awards
2019	Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter)	Public Architecture Award
2019	Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter)	Regional Prize