WIRES Wildlife Centre

  • Description Native animal recovery centre
  • Location Randwick
  • Sector Community
  • Sub-Sector Community, Environmental, Health, Medical
  • Specialties New Build
  • Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
  • Delivery Method Construct Only
  • Client Randwick City Council
  • Architect Melocco and Moore Architects
  • Photographer Grindley, Wires
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WIRES plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s unique native wildlife, and the new Native Animal Recovery Centre elevates that mission with a modern, purpose‑built facility for rescue, rehabilitation and community education. It’s a place where animals receive specialised care and carers are supported to continue their critical work.

Construction took place in an environmentally sensitive setting, with works occurring inside tree protection zones surrounded by endangered Eastern Banksia. Risk was identified early and controls were planned in. Daily coordination between the project arborist and our site team ensured trees were not impacted. Methodologies were adapted to protect root systems and maintain the surrounding ecosystem. Replacing the deteriorated former facility required careful staging and clear communication to keep WIRES volunteers moving safely through the site throughout the build.

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The design supports better rehabilitation outcomes. The centre includes 9 possum enclosures, 3 bird enclosures and a large flight aviary where birds can rebuild strength and relearn essential flight skills before release. The new centre includes essential services that were missing from the former facility, such as hot and cold running water, reliable power, corridor lighting and safer, more functional volunteer workspaces. These upgrades lift hygiene, comfort and operational efficiency. Sustainability shaped the design, ensuring responsible energy and water use and seamless integration with the bushland.

The project delivered a full rebuild, new concrete slab, galvanised steel frame, colorbond roofing and cladding, upgraded hydraulic and electrical services and all new wildlife enclosures. A considered landscape design ties the facility into the surrounding parkland. The WIRES Native Animal Recovery Centre is a long‑term investment in wildlife protection. It expands WIRES’ capacity to care for a broader range of species and sets a clear benchmark for future rehabilitation facilities across New South Wales.