Adelaide Youth Training Centre (AYTC) was built to replace the existing Magill Training Centre, which came under criticism in the 2000s for “barbaric” and “degrading” conditions. AYTC accommodates up to 60 children and young people who have been remanded and sentenced to a period of detention. It is designed for male and female children and young people aged between 10 and 18 years.

Designed for male and female children and young people aged between 10 and 18 years, project presented an opportunity to provide a built facility which supports young people, their families and the community in a positive, normalised environment. Community buildings are grouped at the south-east of the site, linked by a series of key outdoor spaces including the Town Square. This location provides direct access to the community buildings from the YTC entry zone for both pedestrians and vehicles, enabling equity of access for all resident groups.

Residential buildings are located in the north-west portion of the site, separate from the community buildings. Outdoor recreation facilities are distributed to provide flexibility of access and allow concurrent use by incompatible resident groups. Site planning acknowledges the special needs of girls by locating the Girls Accommodation Unit separate and apart from the mainstream Boys accommodation, with a more private outlook and close proximity to the smaller oval.

The landscape design is fully integrated to create an external environment with a high level of amenity in harmony with operational requirements. The education facilities are arranged around a courtyard, and the detailed landscape design of this space was developed with local indigenous people to create a welcoming and engaging meeting place.