GB-A and Peter Hunt Architect were approached by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) with an important brief. DIAC were seeking a visitor’s compound within the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre that was sensitive without compromising security. The client sought an upgrade similar to the success of the same partnership’s work on the Perth IDC.

Also important to DIAC was an improved public image free “razor wire” and other signs of oppression that have characterised many existing IDCs. The GB-A – Peter Hunt team successfully softened the harsher environment experience of clients, visitors and staff. For example, we transformed the mostly neglected state of the existing basketball court and half-sized soccer pitch into attractive all-season activity amenities.

Our extended brief also included works to the Separation Unit (SU) enabling the common areas to be refurbished with acoustic treatments, new flooring and opening up spaces that have improved their ambience. This extension to the SU provides a highly flexible, pleasant series of sleeping, living and recreational spaces to accommodate a wide variety of atrisk clients.

The project did face some challenges such as the presence of asbestos in buildings and a number of in-ground services needing to be relocated without disrupting either clients or operational staff. Nevertheless, DIAC did express their satisfaction with outcome from this project achieved after regular consultation between DIAC representatives and the GB-A – Peter Hunt team.