Author: Robyn Hodge

In 2017 St Luke’s Highton UCA began a process toward regeneration ministry. In 2018 with the arrival of Rev Paul Stephens the community undertook Dreaming Big studies, built on the Synod’s Property for Mission Workbook.

In 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we applied to City of Greater Geelong for an Infrastucture Planning Grant of $20000 to work with the community to understand how we could use our site and resources for the benefit of the broader community and to continue to be Christ’s “Salt & Light” in our community. We were successful and in 2021, we implemented this planning – throughout the challenges of another covid year.

The Design Brief (pdf format) that was developed is available here: StLuke_DESIGN BRIEF_9oct2021_CoGGlogo_Stage2

Deakin School of Architecture & Built Environment team gave an initial presentation of architectural ideas in response to the Brief in October to the “Community Voice” and Church Council groups. They took feedback away to refine the ideas.

On 17 December, Stewart Seaton & Dr Igor Martek presented their refined concepts to a broader group from church and community. A recording of the session is available on Youtube. Send us a message if you’d like to view it.

The plans show how the site could be transformed to create the environment to enable the Design Brief to become reality. The Deakin Team also created an animated 3D fly through that Stewart has narrated. (this will open in YouTube)

There were seven drawings and images presented:

StLukes_Concept_Plans – Overview

StLukes_Concept_Plans 2021 – Elevations

StLukes_Concept_Plans 2021 – Sectional elevations

StLukes_Concept_Plans 2021 – Views from the NE corner

StLukes_Concept_Plans 2021_ Views inside the Sanctuary precinct including possible extension of Sanctuary into the ‘gardens’

StLukes_Concept_Plans 2021 – View in the NW corner – repurposed Lane Memorial Hall in the market garden and looking to the original church

StLukes_Concept_Plans2021 – 3D model image of site

In the months to come, this will be refined and agreed on as a ‘Master Plan’ that over coming years will be ‘staged’ to implement as people, finance and most importantly, God’s Spirit, guide us.

If you have any questions or are interested in being involved in (or partnering with) this vision and work, contact admin@stlukesuca.org.au   (or call the Church Office or our Minister)

Thanks to City of Greater Geelong for the Infrastructure Planning Grant 2021 ($20,000) which was matched by the Congregation & partners (My Pilgrim’s Way, and Deakin University School of Architecture & Built Environment).