The redevelopment of the former Cowes Cultural and Community Centre, now named Berninneit, involved replacing the existing centre to bring together the cultural and social aspirations of the community and draw visitors in to showcase the history and culture of the region.

Meaning ‘Gather Together’, Berninneit was delivered throughout the pandemic to become the heart of art, performance, community and culture in Cowes, Phillip Island. A source of civic pride, Berninneit is Bass Coast Shire Council’s most environmentally significant building and is in line with the council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

Passive House certified, it uses around 75 to 90% less energy than a typical building and boasts an excellent indoor environment quality for all visitors to benefit from. The contemporary design and mass timber construction of this destination building also maximises natural light with double-height spaces and floor to ceiling glazing.

Sitting respectfully amongst the site’s existing vegetation and in keeping with the coastal environment, the two-level centre supports a range of uses that boost community engagement and increase services to the growing population.

While the top floor mostly houses Council staff and the local genealogical society, the centre houses a performing arts space and cinema, gallery, library, historical museum, events spaces and community meeting rooms.