Port Broughton Civic Square & Tourist Centre, SA

The Port Broughton civic square and tourist centre are aimed at enhancing community engagement and boosting tourism in this beautiful coastal town located two hours from Adelaide.

Part of a beachside precinct, the development features a sustainable tourism centre that boasts a spacious open area that will showcase artwork and historical facts about the region. Situated right next to the town’s historical jetty, the centre is designed to attract visitors and provide insight into the area’s rich heritage.

Form and function combine to create a place that resonates with people. For example, the tourism centre’s external soffit was given a beachy theme; our electrical engineers designed beautiful uplighting to highlight this feature, adding a unique touch to the space.

The centre itself is multifunctional, offering more than just historical information. It includes an open function space that can be hired out for events. To support these functions, the facility is equipped with a residential-style kitchen for catering needs. Additionally, there’s a small information kiosk where visitors can grab tourist flyers or explore a tiny retail store. This kiosk serves as a convenient point for those coming from the nearby caravan park, looking for activities in the area. Additionally, the tourism centre includes practical amenities like outdoor toilets for beachgoers.

Energy efficient mechanical engineering features ducted reverse cycle air conditioning units connected to sensor switches on external doors. Located right on the beach, the centre has operable sliding doors that allow natural ventilation on pleasant days. The sensors enable an economy cycle mode, circulating air without using energy, a clever solution that enhances the beachside experience.

The adjacent civic square has been transformed into a welcoming community hub. A water feature with playful fountains adds interest for families, with cannons that shoot arches of water and little bubblers for children to stand on. Outdoor lighting and visual effects across the square create interest with colour and patterns. There’s also a respectful nod to history, with in-ground uplighting to highlight an existing soldier’s memorial. This combination of playfulness and homage enhances the community experience and contributes to economic benefits through increased tourism.

Our client’s vision strongly emphasised water conservation, recognising the potential for waste in the water feature. In alignment with Barunga West Council’s water reuse scheme, NDY’s hydraulics and pool consultants designed a recirculating system that minimises the need for potable water top-up, focusing on treatment and reusing the water. This sustainable approach reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with the Town’s ongoing efforts to promote water efficiency.

Other design solutions across the precinct include:

• Electrical engineering supports power across the site, effectively saving money through efficiency.
• Energy saving measures for lighting include movement proximity sensors to reduce energy use. These sensors were strategically placed to switch off lighting in areas like toilets and back-of-house spaces when not in use.
• The fire protection system connects smoke detection to the precinct’s security system.
• The communications design enables free public Wi-Fi via a small communications rack that ensures internet access across the site.

Detailed collaboration between NDY, architect Studio S2 and Barunga West Council enabled a detailed understanding of the site’s existing services and infrastructure. Potential proximity obstacles between the Port Broughton site and Adelaide became a positive experience, with the Council providing facility managers who were well-versed in the local infrastructure and could provide insights to inform design considerations for this older site.

Given the remote location of the project, the use of prefabricated elements became a strategic choice in the procurement process. This approach was not limited to in-ground infrastructure but extended to other physical aspects of the site, such as seating and benches.

Building on their recent 2023 SA Tiny Tourism Town award, the long term benefits of Port Broughton’s enhanced civic square and tourist centre are clear. The upgraded precinct will bring money into this vibrant coastal town’s local economy and provide a place where the community can gather and engage with each other for generations to come.