Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct Business Plan
Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct Business Plan
Client
City of Casey
LHD
Narre Warren VIC
Location
Newcastle NSW
Architect
FJMT Studio
Project Budget
$125 Million
Traditional Custodians
Bunurong & Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
Bunjil Place is a game-changer for the City of Casey and Melbourne’s burgeoning south-east corridor. Inspired by Bunjil the Creator, the building's eagle-like form, ‘Bunjil’, is the cultural, civic and community heart of the region. Anchored by a clear vision and comprehensive business plan, Bunjil Place fosters a vibrant cultural precinct where creativity thrives, connections deepen and futures ignite.
Leading a multidisciplinary team, Maytrix delivered the defining vision, Business and Action Plan that guides priorities for multiple cultural and commercial venues over a 10-year horizon. Comprehensive analysis across 12 business streams framed opportunities to optimise performance, extend engagement and build long-term sustainability. Shaped through extensive analysis, benchmarking, and shaped by cross-organisation workshops and a consultation series, the Business Plan defines a strategic alignment to a vision for a connected and engaged community.
Bunjil Place has captured the imagination of Melbourne's south-east, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors since opening through diverse and vibrant programming. It is multidimensional; home to the city’s civic offices, visitor information, community library, gallery, destination conferencing and events for 350+, an 800-seat theatre with fly tower and orchestra pit, café and bars, and outdoor programmable screen and events space. As a focal point for community engagement, the $125 million precinct reflects a bold investment in a creative future.
“This is a creative hub. A hive of culture. A meeting place. Where people meet to sing, sip and share. Celebrating big names, big ideas and big creativity. Where one moment leads to another, and back again.
This is Bunjil Place. And you’ll leave here with stories to tell.”
Anchored by a commitment to service and community outcomes, the vision and Business Plan leverage the unique operating context of co-located cultural venues, optimising resources to maintain quality, expand access, and support community benefit. The Plan establishes the platform for income diversification and outreach, resilience, and enhanced regional economic benefit. It responds to the region's growth by refining business areas to support sustainable operations, defining clear milestones and opportunities to expand outreach across Casey’s growth suburbs. The guiding vision, Business and Action Plan shape a unified pathway forward.
Bunjil Place isn't just a venue; it's a game-changer for Casey and Melbourne’s south-east corridor. Inspired by Bunjil the Creator, the eagle-like form represents civic and cultural identity. The Business Plan responds to rapid growth, refining operations for long-term success. Drawing on broad cultural sector experience and operational planning expertise, Maytrix delivered a clearly defined plan that supports Bunjil Place’s evolution, shaping the region’s cultural landscape and enriching its communities.
Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct
Image - FJMT Studio
Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct
Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct
Bunjil Place Cultural Precinct
Awards
International
– 2017 International Design Awards – Architecture of the Year
– 2017 International Design Awards – Gold Prize, Institutional Category
– 2017 International Design Awards – Gold Prize, Landmarks – Symbolic Structures – Public Category
State
– 2018 AIA (VIC Chapter) – William Wardell Award for Public Architecture
– 2018 Australian Timber Design Awards – Grand Prix
