The proposed multipurpose community centre would integrate a number of Hepburn Shire Council facilities, including library services, community and art spaces, early years’ services and visitor information.

The project took a step forward recently when the council staged a community consultation in the Daylesford Town Hall laneway.

The council’s chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond said accessibility and proximity of the potential site was highlighted as a priority for the community.

“At this early stage there is a community preference for the development of the Daylesford Town Hall site and/or the historical precinct surrounding the post office,” he said.

“It’s been really beneficial speaking with the community to get a better understanding of what’s important to them. 

“We look forward to working with the whole Hepburn Shire community as the project develops.” 

He said once a preferred site was identified, the council would continue to work with the community on concept plans for the development.

The hub project aims to address the inadequacy of the Daylesford and Creswick libraries and the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre to meet current demand and industry benchmarks.

It comes as the council prepares to transform the Daylesford Town Hall laneway with public art.

Mayor Don Henderson said submissions had now been received for the Daylesford Laneway Commission.

The project, which follows the formal adoption of the council’s public art policy last December, will result in an artwork being installed in the Daylesford Town Hall Laneway in January and February 2015.

The successful artist will be announced in June and receive $8000 for the commission.

The expressions of interest were open to artists working across music, poetry, sound, sculpture, landscaping, performance, digital interactive projects or light/multimedia installations.

rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au