A community hub in Trentham is one step closer, with the project receiving significant state government funding this week.
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The state government awarded Hepburn Shire Council $3.5 million for the construction of the Trentham Community Hub this week. Council will contribute at least $800,000 to the hub, which is estimated to cost $4.62 million.
Identified as a priority project in a review of facilities in 2013, the years since have involved intense community debate about the location of the hub.
In 2018 the results of a community survey revealed the community best supported the option for the hub to be based on High Street, out of the Trentham Mechanics Institute.
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The hub will be an expansion of the Mechanics Institute, which will be renovated to restore the original interior and exterior. A library will be accommodated in this building, reflecting the history of Mechanic's Institutes which were the precursors of public libraries in Victoria.
The High Street hub will also include the town's visitor information centre, council customer service counter, hall with 'portable stage' to optimise space, a kitchen and community meeting spaces.
Previous coverage: Community calls to get on with hub
Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said the design had recently been updated based on feedback. The biggest change to the design was to make the hall bigger to accommodate larger functions.
The hall will now accommodate up to 245 people for a standing function and up to 160 with seating.
Cr Hewitt said "recent consultation has shown high levels of support", with the funding commitment meaning construction would likely begin next year.
"It will make such a difference for residents in Trentham and the Coliban Ward to have a wide range of services centrally located. We are very excited to be able to deliver this project for our community," she said.
Living in the Trentham area for a decade, Di Clauson is thrilled the project will begin soon.
A member of the Project Advisory Group (PAG) and Life Activities Group, she believes "the hub is so right for our community".
"I've enjoyed having input and talking with the community. It's been terrific to have a role in the hub design and consultation process."
"Everything will be located together and we've had very positive feedback from the community about the appearance, size and floor plan," she said. "It will be a great meeting place for our growing community."
Council's Interim CEO, Bradley Thomas, said the hub was a priority project for Council.
"This is a major project for our Shire and part of our Investment Plan for the future. We could not deliver this key project without government support, so we are very grateful to be able to build this facility for our community," Mr Thomas said.
"We will continue to work with other levels of government and local groups to advocate for funding towards projects that benefit our Shire," he said.
The final concept design will be considered at the upcoming Council Meeting in June, before detailed design is completed and a public tender issued for construction.
Details of the project are available online at: https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/trentham-community-hub.