The new warehouse and workshop were designed to consolidate and replace various containers, sheds, and workshops across the site, effectively addressing the organization’s bulk storage requirements. The facility is distributed across multiple levels to harmonize with the steep terrain of the site.

Key features include specialized bulk storage for dog food within an insulated panel enclosure to minimize the risk of vermin intrusion, as well as pallet racking to store equipment and training apparatus efficiently. A dedicated storage and maintenance area for coin collection dogs was incorporated, streamlining unloading and workflow, and featuring a secure room specifically designed for coin counting.

The workshop provides versatile spaces to accommodate site vehicles and support various maintenance tasks, including welding, woodwork, and landscaping. Additional facilities include safe chemical storage areas, well-organized workspaces, and material storage, while a dedicated site operations office is situated on the mezzanine level.

To enhance functionality, a ramp on the north side of the building connects to the second level, which houses the organization’s archives and collections.

A major issue identified during the masterplan process was the significant shortage of parking on-site. In response, a new car park was carved into the hillside adjacent to the kennels, creating ample parking for staff and volunteers. This new layout offers convenient access to both the offices and kennels. Furthermore, the parking design allows for dual access points, ensuring that parking remains functional during later construction phases and enabling uninterrupted operations at Guide Dogs Victoria throughout the project.