Design Guide for Queensland Neighbourhood Centres
Queensland Government
#Overview
Working with KIN Architects and the Queensland Government and to provide a clear, structured approach for designing contemporary Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
To foster inclusive, connected and resilient communities, the Queensland Government has committed to developing and maintaining Neighbourhood Centres as essential social infrastructure. To support these efforts, Plan C and KIN Architects developed a range of tools and documents outlining best-practice processes, engagement methods, and physical design considerations that will inform the entire lifecycle of a Neighbourhood Centre project.
In late 2025, Plan C has the opportunity to work with the Queensland Government to test the new process with a proposed Neighbourhood Centre upgrade in Caboolture. Plan C facilitated the workshop, deploying a world-cafe style model with funded services providers to effectively capture the complex operations of a Neighbourhood Centre and translate inputs into a design brief.
#Methodology
Reviewed existing government operational Workflows for development of Neighbourhood Centres in Queensland, in addition to related foundational policy documents
Developed new series of workflows to ensure structured, transparent and collaborative approach
Produced a suite of tools and guidelines to support better outcomes for the design and development or redevelopment of Neighbourhood Centres
Demonstrated efficacy of the model through practical application at Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre
#Key Outcomes Achieved
Developed new methodology for the design and development of Queensland Neighbourhood Centres, supporting better outcomes for essential social infrastructure
Developed series of toolkits and guidance documents which facilitate more effective, informative and transparent engagement processes
Utilised process to facilitate workshops with key stakeholders for Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, translating inputs to inform design brief
Improved community and stakeholder response and information governance, in projects where new process has been deployed, such as Agnes Water
#More Case Studies
Jirribilyi Borroloola Central (McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust)
A $24 million mixed use development including retail, commercial, community and accommodation uses. Being developed by the CBT to support economic development and entrepreneurship in the region and provide more services in an underserved community
Traditional Owner and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stakeholder Engagement for the new Planning Scheme and LGMS (CoGC)
Plan C engaged with Traditional Owners and broader Aboriginal stakeholders, organisations and community to identify interests and aspirations to inform the LGMS and new Planning Scheme for the City of Gold Coast.
Business Plan for Jigija Indigenous Fire Training Program (Gangalidda and Garawa Native Title Aboriginal Corporation)
Engaging with Traditional Owners to prepare a business plan for an Indigenous training program providing wildfire management and mitigation training.
Queensland Music Trails Preliminary Business Case, Tourism Opportunity and Social Benefits (QMF)
Economic and social preliminary business case for the State-wide music trails, gaining funding for a world-first music tourism platform across outback Queensland
Community Benefits Trust Project Management (McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust)
Project management services for the MRM Community Benefits Trust and facilitating community and economic development in Borroloola region, NT.