Powerhouse Place reconnects the Mildura CBD and community to the Murray River. The project revitalises the neglected post-industrial site which housed the original Mildura Power Station, transforming it into a hub for community and connection. Public recognition of this project stems from the fact that the project demonstrates exemplary sustainable design principles through adaptive reuse, choice of carbon storing materials, as well as the extensive community engagement that informed the design.
This publicly funded project designed by Public Realm Lab was awarded multiple design awards in 2024 including both the Australian Institute of Architects 2024 National Award for Sustainable Architecture and the National Award for Urban Design. In addition the project was awarded the Institute of Architects Victorian Regional Award, the Victorian Architecture Medal, the Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design.
Constructed with AHM’s Australian hempcrete materials, the project includes adaptive reuse of the historic powerhouse for events, exhibitions and retail. New hempcrete buildings include a commercial kitchen, public toilets (including changing places) and a café. The hempcrete buildings nestled around around a central green space makes this project on the foreshore of the Murray River an ideal location for performance and relaxation.