Thornton Park Village
- Description Community hub upgrade
- Location Penrith
- Sector Community
- Sub-Sector Community, Cultural, Lifestyle, Retirement Living, Wellness
- Specialties Fitout, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
- Delivery Method Design and Construct
- Client Southern Cross Care
- Architect TKD Architect
- Photographer Paramount Studios
The Thornton Park Community Hub was designed to strengthen social connection and wellbeing for residents of the Southern Cross Care Penrith community. Positioned at the entry of the existing aged care home, the new centre provides a welcoming, multi‑purpose community centre where people of all ages can meet, learn, relax and participate in community activities.
Construction required careful coordination within an operational aged‑care environment. The team worked within tight spatial constraints and an active site, ensuring the shared driveway remained clear and accessible for residents, staff and visitors at all times. The minimal slab‑to‑slab height also left very limited space for services, requiring mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems to be redesigned to work seamlessly together. Safety, accessibility and continuity of operations were prioritised throughout construction.
The fitout focused on comfort, flexibility and acoustic performance. Warm finishes, detailed ceilings and coordinated signage create a calm and contemporary interior. A sandstone‑clad entry staircase and landing form a welcoming arrival point that ties the building to the surrounding landscape and existing buildings. Inside, generous communal areas, a café, meeting rooms, a library, children’s play space and presentation areas support a wide range of activities. The first floor includes health‑focused rooms and a lounge that opens onto an outdoor terrace overlooking Thornton Park.
The scope included full internal construction across two-storeys, new services and air‑conditioning, wall and ceiling systems, fixtures and fittings, kitchen and café installations, and the transformation of the main entry.
The completed centre now serves as a vibrant, adaptable community asset. With accessible facilities, flexible rooms and spaces designed for comfort and connection, Thornton Park provides long‑term social, recreational and wellbeing benefits for residents, visitors and the broader neighbourhood.
