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Port Phillip EcoCentre

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Architect/Designer: Bourke and Bouteloup Architects (architect); Stosius Constructions (builder); City of Port Phillip, Vic. Dept of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Port Phillip EcoCentre (funding partners); City of Port Phillip (project management) 2025.

Description

The redeveloped Port Phillip EcoCentre is a unique purpose-built facility in the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens that is a leading example of environmental sustainability in construction and operation. Funded by the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian Government and opened in July 2025, the award-winning building has achieved a 6 Star Green Star rating.

What's On

Come along and visit Port Phillip EcoCentre! Staff and volunteers will coordinate public access and activities, such as demonstrations in the Citizen Science Lab. There will be a rolling presentation on the site's construction in the multi-purpose room.

Architects Bourke and Bouteloup will also lead public site tours of the redeveloped Port Phillip EcoCentre, detailing sustainable features such as the cross-laminated timber construction, use of recycled natural materials, thermal performance, and the challenges overcome to achieve a high Green Star-rated building.

Children's Activities

Visitors to the redeveloped EcoCentre can tour the dedicated Citizen Science Lab, see a threatened aquatic species display and participate in educational activities on site. Port Phillip EcoCentre has casual educators and volunteers to run children's environmental activities, such as local species identification.

In Collaboration With:

  • Bourke + Bouteloup Architects

    Bourke and Bouteloup Architects have grown out of repeat collaborations with clients across a number of sectors.  We have a long-demonstrated ability to achieve successful outcomes in many complex project types including public, education, science and health facilities.  

  • Port Phillip EcoCentre

    The Port Phillip EcoCentre is a not-for-profit, community-managed environment group located in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens. For 27 years we have provided a base for affiliated groups involved in activities that promote environmental sustainability and community action. Our vision is to provide education and inspiration to the wider community. Our collective impact since 1999 has transformed the way Melbourne understands wildlife, waterways and wellbeing in the age of climate change.

  • City of Port Phillip

    City of Port Phillip is located on the northern shore of Port Phillip Bay, south of the Melbourne Central Business District in Victoria, Australia.
    One of the oldest areas of Melbourne, Port Phillip is known for its lively urban neighbourhoods, a foreshore that spans over 11 kilometres, cultural diversity, magnificent heritage buildings, artistic expressions and beautiful parks and gardens.

Images: (1) CLT Construction. Photo: Stosius Constructions. (2) Multi-Purpose Room. Photo: courtesy City of Port Phillip. (3) Citizen Science Lab. Photo: N Hubicki. (4) EcoCentre completed. Photo: courtesy City of Port Phillip. (5) Birds Eye View. Photo: courtesy City of Port Phillip.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Sunday 26 July
Open access 10am–2.30pm
Tours run 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1pm + 1.45pm
Running for 45 minutes in groups of 15

Bookings

This program includes both open access and pre-booked components. Where bookings are required—a $7 booking fee applies
For capacity reasons a ticket for all attendees, including children, is required.
First release tickets: 12pm Wednesday 1 July
Second release tickets: 10am Saturday 4 July

Book

Meeting Point

Port Phillip EcoCentre is located on the corner of Herbert and Blessington Streets, on the corner of the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens.

Meet at reception for building tours.

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Lift access to all public levels, Accessible bathrooms, All-gender bathrooms, Accessible parking, All ages

Venue is close to dedicated disability street parking, and the venue is accessible to wheelchair users. An accessible toilet and shower are available. 

Location

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