Located on Allambi Ave in Capel Sound, the Rosebud and Districts Men’s Shed is a place for men of all backgrounds to come together for friendship, support, and community. Croft Wootton Construction built the shed in 2017-2019, undertaking the project as a Community Capital Infrastructure build.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire supported the project with a land lease and $90,000 in funding. The State Government and Federal Government contributed $60,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Planning The Men’s Shed
As a communal space for men to gather, the shed had unique requirements. Limited budgets meant basic materials and a straightforward design would be used to construct the large, barn-style shed.
The shed needed to accommodate personal projects, with space for workshops, activities, and collaboration. In addition to the main area, the layout required a small kitchenette, lockers, and toilets.
The Shire had designated a disused lot of sloping, lightly wooded land, tucked in behind the existing Seawinds Capel Sound Community Hub. As construction would occur in proximity to this facility and the general public, Workplace Health & Safety became the top priority. Our team undertook all the necessary protection works during the planning and construction phases.
With limited funding and a small, sloped site, the project was shaping up to be a tight squeeze — but we knew the juice would be sweet.
Building the Rosebud and Districts Men’s Shed
For the next phase, we created a 440 m2 site cut and installed a 2.2-metre-high concrete sleeper retaining wall to stabilise the soil on the sloped, unstable lot. This step required relocating vast swathes of sand, which we undertook in an environmentally responsible manner.
Next, we installed a 46-metre-long drainage system that could effectively channel rainwater away from the site. We then poured a heavy-duty concrete footing, which we encircled with a crushed rock path to provide easy pedestrian access between the two roller doors and one pedestrian door.
Once the new allotment had been prepared, it was time to erect the shed. Our team assembled a large steel shed measuring 24 metres long by 12 metres wide (a total area of 288 square metres). The structure has a tall gable-ended pitch at a height of 4.3 metres. Seven windows let natural sunlight flood in. The shed has two outdoor rainwater tanks and an electrical supply, including interior overhead lighting.
Inside the shed, we built a lockup storeroom for members to store equipment and tools. Our team constructed ambulante and disabled toilets that comply with all commercial standards.
Our team maintained a warm, friendly relationship with members and Capel Sound Community Hub employees throughout the project schedule, which lasted approximately twenty two months.
A Community Asset
This practical, built-for-purpose building is now a valuable asset forming part of the Seawinds Capel Sound Community Hub. Organisation members and the public continue to use the facility throughout the year.
Popular everyday activities include woodwork, metalwork, and welding. Some members tackle more complex projects incorporating engineering, 3D Printing, and CNC woodworking.
