A strategic plan for transforming the new headquarters 
arki_lab has developed a strategic development plan for the new headquarters of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI). MCCI is a non-profit organisation working to support the growth and well-being of the diverse multicultural communities in the Illawarra region, New South Wales. In 2025 MCCI acquired the former Mercer Consulting offices in Coniston, Australia, where the organisation's administration as well as many community activities will take place in the future.

Based on interviews with employees and representatives of member organizations, an arki_nopoly workshop on location and MCCI’s own extensive preliminary research, we have produced a strategic plan for the ground floor organisation focusing on flexibility, accessibility and resource-sharing. Furthermore we produced a report, setting the strategic direction for the development of the new MCCI headquarters, including a timeline for the realisation of the building.

Realising the vision one step at a time
By adopting a 'one step at a time' approach, the strategy plan serves both as a practical roadmap for implementation and a long-term vision for the functions and the spatial organisation of the new site, ensuring that immediate adjustments are feasible while guiding significant structural changes for the future. It spans from immediate improvements, such as installing adjustable walls, to more significant structural adjustments like the establishment of a community kitchen.

Specifically, the plan optimizes the existing floor plan with minimal structural changes, creating large common areas and adaptable rooms that allow administrative work and community activities to coexist seamlessly. To maximize the site’s potential, some spaces are designed to be multifunctional, serving MCCI staff in opening hours and transformed into community spaces after opening hours. Also, by introducing new entry points and securing independent access to the ground floor, the plan ensures the building remains a safe and accessible resource for the community both during the day and at night. Finally, by developing new outdoor areas as direct extensions of corresponding indoor functions, the plan enables MCCI and community functions to easily expand into the open air.

Future development
The report sets a common vision for the future development of the MCCI headquarters, provides the groundwork for municipal approval of the new functions introduced in the space and sets a plan for continued stakeholder engagement in the development of the offices and community space.