CONTEMPORARY DESIGN FOR AN OLD BUILDING

MERSEY COMMUNITY CARE’S EYE CATCHING TRANSFORMATION

Local Devonport Company, OLIVER KELLY CONSTRUCTION has made huge progress with the renovation of the Mersey Community Care (MCCA) premises, in Steele Street, Devonport.

A dedicated team of builders and tradesman have worked through one of the coldest winters that we have experienced for many years and are on track to have the project completed by
8 August 2015.

The transformation of what was once the Devonport Ambulance Station is eye catching to local residents and the organisation has received many comments from members of the public, who are pleased to see some progress that will improve the street appeal of the building, which is located next door to the old Maternity Hospital that has been vacant for many years.

The extension to the building has new toilet facilities including a toilet for people with disabilities, with additional office space and a new Board Room upstairs that will have a splendid view over Devonport and surrounding areas.

Designer Jaron Coward, from Starbox Architecture, said “The alterations and additions to the Mersey Community Care building at 167 Steele Street, Devonport are a contemporary insertion to an existing ‘brick box.’

Mr Coward went on to say, “The intent of the design, other than the practical and functional requirements of a growing business and advertising public awareness of its location, is to abstractly promote the business ethos. For example, the colours used externally are to reflect its branding, the curved battened facade, which softens the hard existing edges, symbolises the many volunteers that are united and focused on a good cause; and the orientation of the addition and new covered walkway to the driveway entry add a sense of welcoming.”

Operations Manager, Kathryn Edmunds, said “The renovation of the building is very exciting and when completed will have a fantastic street appeal. We hope that this face lift will make us stand out and will assist us to attract new volunteers and make the public aware of MCCA and what we do”. There are a lot of people living in the Devonport and the surrounding municipalities who have no idea about the services that we provide and we want to continue to grow and support people that need our assistance to remain living in their own homes”.

Ms Edmunds also said “It is good timing that renovation is taking place now, particularly with so many changes happening within Devonport City. It is great that the city is going ahead and we are pleased to be improving our premises to be part of the changes”.
Kathryn Edmunds Operations Manager Mersey Community Care Association Inc.