Transforming Gateway Village Through Innovation and Partnership

Following nine months of planning, Gateway Village has officially unveiled one of the most significant transformations in its 14-year history. Led by our ESS team, alongside stakeholders from across Compass Group Australia (CGA) and Hancock Iron Ore, the project revitalised key communal spaces and introduced a new Wellness Centre, designed to enhance the experience and wellbeing of residents living and working on site.

As part of the transformation, both the Tavern and Dining Room received new ventilation and air-conditioning systems, while the Dining Room was updated with furniture, signage, paint and window coverings. Meanwhile, the Wellness Centre was completely reimagined through a collaborative effort involving our Interior Design team, technical expertise from DeltaFM, health and wellness guidance from Tastelife, and leadership from our ESS team and valued client, Hancock Iron Ore.

The result is a modern collection of communal spaces, including a state-of-the-art fitness and wellbeing hub featuring an updated layout to optimise functionality, upgraded equipment and a purpose-built digital wall supporting Les Mills and group fitness programs.

For Gateway Project Manager Adam Cliff, this innovative design shows a forward-thinking approach to village living.

“The new spaces display a real shift in how we view the time residents spend in our village. Fitness and wellbeing have become an increasingly important part of the village experience, and this investment will have tangible benefits for residents’ physical health and mental wellbeing”.

Collaboration at its best

A key feature of the project was the level of collaboration involved.

“From the initial design phase through to equipment selection, this was a true partnership,” shares Adam. “The project involved not only Hancock Iron Ore, ESS, Tastelife and DeltaFM, but also residents who provided valuable input into what would work best for the space.”

“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and a resident-focused mindset. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue strengthening our partnership and exploring new opportunities together”.

Celebrating hospitality, innovation and diversity

The official opening, and completion of the project, was celebrated with a vibrant Food Festival in June 2026 featuring corporate support from the Red Bull promotion team. Residents enjoyed a range of culinary experiences, including Gateway’s first-ever ‘Women in Food’ Battle, featuring two Women in Food (WiF) ambassadors alongside former MasterChef contestant and Celebrity Chef Jenny Lam. The competition showcased the creativity and talent of three outstanding chefs, with Gateway Head Chef and WiF Ambassador Coco Bang taking home the crown for her South Korean-inspired menu.

“Women in Food gives us the amazing opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact our female team members have on residents’ experiences every day,” shares Adam. “It was fantastic to see our Chefs bring their cuisines, creativity and passion to life”.

Creating a genuine hospitality experience

While the investments have transformed Gateway’s physical spaces, the focus remains firmly on our people and residents.

“We aspire to provide a home-away-from-home experience,” shares Adam. “The upgrades are fantastic, but buildings alone don’t create memorable experiences. What matters most is making people feel genuinely welcomed, and that’s what our team strives to deliver every day”.