Balam Balam Place signifies a bold new chapter for the Merri-bek community.

The transformation of 33 Saxon Street, situated within the Civic and Cultural Precinct and the Brunswick Design District, signifies a bold new chapter for the Merri-bek community.

The site has now been reimagined as Balam Balam Place—a vibrant hub for culture, creativity, and community connection. This redevelopment now offers accessible and affordable spaces for artists, creatives, and the wider community to collaborate and thrive.

Key elements of the project included a new 5-storey building spanning approximately 3,500 square metres, the careful demolition of old buildings and the preservation of the Heritage House and part of the northern school building along Phoenix Street. The northern building has been transformed into an open-air sculptural shelter, while the Heritage House is being meticulously restored to its original design to honour its rich history. The redesigned precinct provides functional, welcoming, and accessible spaces for community events and activities, fostering creativity and engagement.

As project managers and superintendents, DCWC played a pivotal role in driving the success of this $30M redevelopment funded by the Merri-bek City Council. From the Schematic Design phase to project completion, we worked closely with the Council and all project collaborators to ensure the vision for 33 Saxon Street was delivered to the highest standard.