Feedback open for Carlingford’s new ‘home among the gumtrees’

News / Projects / Sustainable 13 October 2025 Share

City of Parramatta Council has released the new design for the Don Moore Community Centre, ushering in a new era of community infrastructure in Carlingford.

Funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, the project transforms a 52-year-old centre into a 3,000 sqm multi-purpose hub embedded in a protected Blue Gum forest. Considered architecture separates the building into three volumes inspired by shale rock and gum tree forms to sit gently within its steep, leafy site.

With integrated architecture, landscape and interior design led by DesignInc for City of Parramatta, key features include a main hall/theatre, four multipurpose rooms, out-of-school hours care, senior citizen spaces, a café and an amphitheatre. Blue Gum High Forest revegetation and water-sensitive urban design underscore the hub’s sustainability ambition. Accessible pathways connect to North Rocks Road, Parramatta Light Rail and the new active-transport link.

DesignInc Principal and Project Lead, Alex Matovic, said:

“It’s been a delight working with the Parramatta Council team on this project. They deeply understand the needs of the local community and are passionate advocates for the small things that make the tight-knit locality even better. It’s a privilege to contribute another piece of community infrastructure for Parramatta City Council in the beautiful setting of North Rocks Park.”

For more information, visit the Don Moore Community Centre project page here: https://participate.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/redevelopment-of-don-moore-community-centre

DesignInc Sydney provided integrated architectural, landscape and interior design services for Don Moore Community Centre – working in partnership with Stantec and Erbas for City of Parramatta. DesignInc celebrates a successful partnership with City of Parramatta, leading key architectural projects for Council including PHIVE—Parramatta Civic Hub, Parramatta Town Hall, and more.

The exhibition invites community feedback over the next four weeks. Plans and supporting documentation are available online and at the local Council library. Submissions can be made via the City’s planning portal.