project
Crerar Road Development
| Client | Ventia |
| Location | Darwin, NT |
| Completion Year | 2025 |
| Sector | Residential |
| Landscape Architecture | |
| Interior Design |
| Project Manager |
Fiona Eddleston
Director, Landscape Architect
Bennett Architecture partnered with CCNT to masterplan and expand an existing social housing site to become a more connected, inclusive community expanding the accommodation types and support facilities for vulnerable people. The holistic design delivers wellbeing through accessible living environments and varied home typologies, integrated services, and social spaces. The landscape played as much a part of the community connection through individual courtyard gardens, shaded nodes, picnic areas, fire pits, and arts/play trails to encourage interaction and cultural expression. Design principles focused on safety, creating a supportive environment that fosters connection, recreation, and a true sense of home.
Key objectives
Coordinated by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics (DIPL), Territory Families, on behalf of Northern Territory Government
Collaborate were engaged as the lead design consultant to develop and document the works
Located on a historically significant site known as the ‘Chicken Oval’, the design honours its legacy as a
The development includes a full-service supermarket with bakery, deli, and butcher sections, supported by a large, cooled warehouse
The masterplan also incorporates staff accommodation in the form of a four-unit residential building, supporting local employment and
Project Story
Bennett Architecture was engaged by Catholic Care Northern Territory (CCNT) to transform and expand an existing social housing development. We worked with the varied team at CCNT to create an integrated masterplan for the whole site to provide housing diversity, connected community and support services for the vulnerable residents. The density, features and The masterplan was designed along nodes with social courtyard gardens. Each accommodation type was orientated to face the main concrete path network. This facilitated social interaction which is further encouraged with the development of open space nodes along the main concrete path. With In these nodes we have included shade structures and picnic tables and fire pits for communal outdoor cooking. We have also facilitated space for small pay/ art events as part of an arts trail and play space network connected to the whole site masterplan for these trails. This was founded on a set of Design principles, These included: the creation of supportive built environments that promote social connection, opportunities for physical and recreational activities, and access to nature. Spaces for spiritual and cultural activity that demonstrate respect for resident’s beliefs, knowledge, religious and cultural needs. Access to a variety of services on-site delivered in appropriate multi-functional facilities to enable supportive social and health environment enabling access for residents to move freely on and off the site whilst maintaining a high level of safety and security. Ease of movement between hubs considers the different use and cohort requirements whilst promoting integration and sharing of amenities. We created a place of home life.
