191 Penshurst Street, Willoughby
The Centre was designed by Eric Nicholls, a noteworthy architect, former partner to architect Walter Burley Griffin and long-term resident of Castlecrag. It was built by D C Montgomery and opened by the Mayor W M Jack in 1948. Nicholls added elements of the Moderne style (early European modernism) to his work in the late 1930s. The roof was initially flat; a simple parapet perhaps a reflection of his knowledge and respect for Burley Griffin. The Centre was an outstanding example of Nicholls’ architecture with the unique decorative details such as the characteristic rendered torus mouldings, curved walling and elaborate porch detailing in the side street entry. The Centre operated continuously until its closure in 2010.