Multi-use pavilion could be the key for community hub

A $4 million multi-use pavilion at Bellbird Park could hold the key to creating multiple community hub type spaces in Drouin.

Rather than focussing on one building to create a community hub, Baw Baw Shire has supported a plan to use multiple facilities including the Drouin senior citizens centre and a new multi-use pavilion.

The plan depends on funding, with council seeking $2 million from the State Government for the $4 million Bellbird Park pavilion.

Preliminary concept designs have been endorsed by council.

Officers will refine the scope, services and functions that can be accommodated at the senior citizens.

Each site will provide multi-functional spaces for meetings and creative spaces, large multi-use meeting space and kitchen facilities.

The Bellbird Park pavilion will provide a large multi-use space and commercial kitchen for up to 150 people.

Upgrades to the Drouin Senior Citizens Hall will aim to complement the pavilion, creating a medium-sized space close to town.  Council will work with existing tenants to develop concept designs.

Cr Ben Lucas said the concept to use multiple sites was the best “bang for buck” strategy council came up with. 

“Both projects can be achieved within the next few years, with scope to implement more improvements in the future to meet the needs of our growing community.

“With this new strategy we won’t satisfy everything on the list, but we will come close,” he said.

Nine locations were assessed, with community consultation seeking multi-functional spaces with kitchenette amenities, a new library, a large hall with commercial kitchen, youth spaces, early learning centre with maternal and child health facilities, business support and tourist information and outdoor spaces.

Six options were reported to council last week for new or substantially renovated facilities, addressing priorities raised during consultation.

All designs exceeded council’s $6.9 million budget.

Options included:
Single level extension of council offices - $9 million;
New single level facility in Oak St - $12 million (including relocation of the croquet club);
New facility at Bellbird Park - $12.5 million;
Two level extension of council offices - $15 million; 
New two-level facility in Civic Park at the Brynwood Ave carpark - $16 million; and,
New two-level facility in Oak St - $17 million.

Cr Tricia Jones said the hub was a priority in Drouin.

She said the redeveloped council offices had restricted options for community meeting spaces.

She said the social infrastructure was not matched to the town’s growth.

“Although this approach moves away from the initial intent to develop an integrated community hub … this is a good outcome that offers a short-term response as our town grows rapidly,” she said.

Cr Peter Kostos said council’s decision would help address the lack of community facilities.

“Spreading it around to different facilities gives far more opportunity for people to use the facilities,” he said.

Cr Annemarie McCabe said the decision demonstrated council’s commitment to creating community spaces for people to gather.

“There is some speculation that some groups don’t want to be associated with using the senior citizens centre but maybe we need to look at the rebranding of this.

“The upgrade to the senior citizens hall will improve this facility and create more opportunities for the community to make use of it,” she said.