The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTQIA+ communities. Located in St Kilda, the space was first supported by State Government in 2016, with construction completed in 2021.
The building's design was the result of a competition and pays homage to St Kilda's architectural heritage, with a Moorish influence. When you visit, you'll notice the space is filled with cylindrical shapes and patterns reminiscent of a beehive, reminiscent of a behave and a reflection of how it's a hub of activity. Inside, you'll find everything from co-working spaces and a theatrette to the offices of major LGBTIQ+ resident organisations.
When you enter, you can choose to either approach the volunteer-run concierge desk for assistance or use a handy digital screen that's loaded with helpful information like a directory and event listings. As visitors make their way through the ground floor, they'll also be able to check out a rotating series of exhibitions, areas to lounge and work, café and the Hares and Hyenas bookstore.
There are bookable spaces throughout the centre, including a multipurpose theatrette with soundproofed cork ceilings, an activity room for Rainbow families, meeting rooms, co-working desks and more. Accessibility has also been a major consideration, and you'll find features like a wheelchair-accessible stage, desks with adjustable heights and elevators that allow plenty of time for passengers to board.
The most eye-catching design aspect of the centre is the staircase in the building's atrium space and the skylight atop it that is shaped like a cracked open egg. Centre staff often refer to it as an emu egg, a powerful symbol for Indigenous people and a metaphor of the LGBTIQ+ communities emerging and coming out.
As you make your way up the stairs, you'll start to see the offices of more than a dozen businesses and organisations that call the centre home. This includes health services, advocacy groups, the Australian Queer Archives, the Star Observer and LGBTIQ+ radio station JOY 94.9. You can learn more about each resident and get in contact with them them here.
On the very top floor is a rooftop pavilion with incredible views of the city and the bay. This is also where the centre hosts many of its events, including regular barbecues and pop-up bars. You can find the full list of events hosted at the centre here.