Surf Coast Shire Council Civic Office Torquay Visual Story

Parking & Arrival

The Surf Coast Shire Council Civic Office building on Merrijig Drive is a two storey building with a modern design combining concrete and glass. In front of the entrance, there is a parking area with two accessible car parking spaces on both sides of the access path. A bicycle rack is positioned directly near the entrance. The entrance features double automatic glass sliding doors. Visitors may be attending customer service, meetings or community events.

Sounds

Vehicles passing
Flags flapping
Footsteps on gravel
Distant chatter
Doors opening

Smells

Fresh air
Cut grass
Concrete
Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
Nearby flowers

Feel

Smooth pavement
Cool breeze
Warm sun
Changing floor surface (concrete-tiles)
External weather conditions

Sight

Modern building
Flags waving
Open fields
Busy highway
Bike racks

Customer Service

The Customer Service area has a spacious layout with a mix of polished stone floors and printed carpet. On the right, near the entrance, is the customer service desk, which features a brown finish and an accessible lower section for seated assistance. Comfortable chairs and small tables are positioned in front of the desk, providing a comfortable space for visitors to sit while waiting.

A Customer Service Officer is available at the desk to assist visitors. Visitors who are meeting a Council Officer may be asked to sign in using a tablet, which the Officer can assist with. An accessible toilet is on the left of the Customer Service desk, equipped with grab bars and a baby changing station. The space is active, with people signing in, requesting information, or waiting for appointments.

Sounds

Quiet conversations
Soft footsteps
Door opening
Keyboard typing
Paper rustling

Smells

Fresh flowers (occasional)
Cleaning products
New furniture
Mild coffee aroma
Carpet

Feel

Heating or cooling system
Smooth floor
Interaction with others
Changing floor surface (concrete-carpet)
Smooth counter top

Sight

Glass doors
Reception desk
People queueing
Decorative plants
Wayfinding signs

Meeting Rooms

The meeting rooms are directly in front of the main entrance. The architecture includes glass walls and modern décor, with small tables surrounded by comfortable seating. Large screens are mounted for presentations, and the floor is carpeted. Some meeting rooms have windows and a view of the outdoors. The space is well-lit and designed for discussions, meetings, or small group work.

Sounds

Soft conversations
Footsteps on carpet
Door opening
Keyboard typing
Occasional chair movement

Smells

Clean upholstery
Subtle coffee
Paper scent
Mild perfume
Heating or cooling system

Feel

Soft carpet
Smooth table
Heating or cooling system
Interaction with others
Comfortable chairs

Sight

Glass walls
Modern décor
Large screens
Carpet
Natural & artificial light

Council Chambers

To access the Council Chambers, proceed straight from the entrance, passing the customer service and amenities on the right. Wayfinding signs guide visitors towards the automatic glass sliding door, which leads to an inward-opening glass door. A staff member may need to unlock the automatic glass sliding door on entry, and a green button on the left may need to be pushed upon exit.

The Council Chambers is a spacious area with large windows providing natural light. The room has carpeted floors and wooden panelling, with a conference table surrounded by chairs. The room is equipped with projectors and screens for presentations, and a permanent hearing loop and the capacity for multiple microphones. The environment is designed for meetings, group discussions, and presentations, fostering a focused and collaborative atmosphere.