21
Strip shopping is often targeted for its
amenity — or rather lack of.
Robin Boyd lambasted it in his seminal
criticism The Australian Ugliness.
Things haven’t improved much since
Boyd applied his literary blowtorch. But
it’s not a problem unique to Australia.
And it most certainly explains why
good work stands out from the pack.
W
erribee Tavern 30kms south-west of Melbourne’s CBD,
in one of Australia’s Formula One growth corridors,
has no shortage of haste and ugliness. Thankfully a surprise
salvation is only just
around the corner.
The Plaza Tavern, near the intersection of busy Derrimut
and Heaths Roads, is a shining example of understatement
among some noisy retail spruikers. Designed by the Buchan
Group with a vast body of work in the retail sector, the
Tavern lends a calm dignity. Its array of offerings range
from ballroom to gaming, bistro to nightclub — all housed
in a slick curvilinear form that doesn’t shriek at passers-by.
A new cinema complex sits immediately adjacent and
just nearby, a shopping mall. It was important though that
a clear distinction be made between general retail and
a predominantly adult facility. Buchan architects have
excelled at their task.
PROJECT
The Plaza Tavern, Pacific
Werribee, Hoppers Crossing,
Victoria
ARCHITECT
The Buchan Group (with
specialist fitout design by Enth
Degree Architects)
PRINCIPAL GLAZING
Viridian Bronze EVantage™
DGUs, Viridian VLam Hush™,
Viridian Seraphic™ Design
TEXT, IMAGES & FILM
Peter & Jenny Hyatt