Lions Outback Vision Kimberley Eye Hub

The Kimberley Eye Hub Project involve transforming the previous Kimberley Klub Backpackers into Broome (and the Kimberley) home of Eye Health Services. The project was to provide a home base for the dedicated team of eye health professionals so that they can provide the regional and remote Kimberley communities access to comprehensive and appropriate eye health care services.

This project was delivered in two stages. Stage 1 was the complete refurbishment of an existing building to be new consulting rooms, offices, meeting room and staff accommodation. Stage 2 was completion of the entire site with the new Office Administration, Optometry, Consulting and Eye Health Kiosk.

This project was constraint by the existing infrastructure and tight budget but was successfully completed in 2022 within budget. The design brief was to refurbish the existing structures to suit the new facility. Where possible, the client required existing structures and design languages to be retained and/or rebuilt. As the site was donated to Lions Eye, keeping the existing building character was in respect to the funding provider for the project.

The Eye Hub has multiple purposes, from consulting rooms to cafe kiosk. The final landscape ties all the facilities together and further enhances the connection to the Kimberley country. The final colours were consulted and chosen by Lions Eye that provide a palette in reference to the Kimberley and some artwork donations, but also a gentle eye sensitive palette for their patients visiting the site.

This project is a good example of sensible design outcome for Broome with the provided project budget. 2022 saw many challenges to construction timeframes and costs throughout the construction industry, however the client and contractor were able to negotiate and navigate the project to reach Practical Completion within an acceptable timeframe.

Lions Outback Vision - BROOME Eye Hub

CLIENT

Lions Eye Institute

LOCATION

Frederick Street, Broome, Western Australia

YEAR

2022

Consultant Team:

Architect: Laird Tran Studio
Structural and Civil Engineering: Pritchard Francis Engineering Consultants.
Electrical Engineering: Ashburner Francis Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: Tim Franklin Consulting Engineers
Hydraulic Engineer: ACOR
Energy Efficiency: Sustainability WA
Quantity Surveyor: RBB
Building Surveyor: All West Building Approvals
Access Consultant: O'Brien Harrop Access
Kitchen Consultant: Hisco NFE
Land Survey: MNG Survey

The landscape design for the Broome Eye Hub transforms a former backpackers' site into a culturally responsive and inclusive health precinct, supporting vital eye care services across the Kimberley. The design honours the site's history while creating a new identity rooted in community wellbeing and connection to Country.

A key feature retained from the original site is a new pool, located in the same position as the previous one. It now serves as a central element in the outdoor environment—reimagined to support relaxation and passive recreation for visitors and staff. The surrounding landscape softens the transition from the built environment and enhances the sense of calm and healing.

Movement through the site is designed to be intuitive and accessible for people of all abilities. Gently graded paths, shaded seating areas, and clear wayfinding ensure seamless navigation between consulting rooms, the café, and other facilities, fostering a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Edible planting is integrated throughout the site, including areas for growing vegetables, herbs, and bush foods. These spaces support community engagement and provide fresh produce for use in the on-site café, reinforcing the connection between landscape, health, and nourishment.

Images by Laird Tran Studio.

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