A new $30 million arts and community precinct in Brunswick, Balam Balam Place, is now open for business.
Balam Balam Place has thrown open its doors to become the freshest arts and community space in Brunswick.
After 18 months of construction work, the ambitious redevelopment project on Phoenix and Saxon streets corner finally started welcoming visitors back in February. What started as a seven million dollar land purchase back in 2010 has evolved into Merri-bek Council’s most expensive single project to date, clocking in at around $30 million.
Built on the bones of the old Trinity Catholic Regional College site, Balam Balam Place transforms 3500 square metres into three distinct areas. The centrepiece is a brand new five-storey structure called South, packed with creative studios, event spaces, a maternal and child health service, plus the relocated Blak Dot Gallery and Blakademy.
Balam Balam Place – Brunswick
- Where: 15 Phoenix Street (formerly 33 Saxon St), Brunswick
- Book a free tour, here
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The heritage gem at the site’s heart dates back to 1888 when industrialist Joseph Cornwell built his mansion. Later becoming St Ambrose Presbytery under Catholic ownership, the two-storey building has been lovingly restored and is now available for private hire.
Surrounding all this action, generous landscaping creates 2500 square metres of public green space. Native plantings work around established trees while open lawns provide perfect spots for lunch breaks or post-Brunswick Baths relaxation.
These Are The Projects We Do Together handle day-to-day operations, bringing their experience from running the previous Siteworks venue on this exact location. Their approach focuses on supporting creative industries through affordable, flexible workspace solutions.
Round-the-clock building access comes standard for tenants, along with fast internet, shared kitchen facilities and meeting room availability. Commercial office spaces specifically target contemporary designers, architects, writers and arts organisations within Brunswick’s designated design district.
The spaces available for hire in the South building come in a range of different sizes and configurations and are deliberately designed for multiple uses.
Visitors arriving via Phoenix Street can’t miss Always, a vibrant entrance mural by renowned Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. The artwork celebrates traditional land ownership through Aboriginal flag colours arranged in striking diamond formations.
Ground floor cafe Home Economics keeps the precinct buzzing from 8am every day, while registration remains open for community groups and creatives seeking new headquarters.
For more information, head here.
