Chiltern Community Hub a step closer

Published on 01 September 2021

Construction of the new $2.5M Chiltern Community Hub has moved a step closer with Council giving in-principle agreement to the issuing of a planning permit.

In May 2020, the Victorian Government announced it would provide 100% funding for the hub from its multi-billion dollar building works package designed to stimulate the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.

The need for a community hub was identified though the Chiltern Placemaking Plan, undertaken in 2016. The hub was identified as a critical project in stimulating community pride and attracting new young families to the town, as well as to enhance the kinder, childcare and library services.

The hub will include a new childcare centre, kindergarten, maternal and child health centre, modern library as well as two new meeting rooms.

Entrances will be off both Main and Crawford Streets and the building will also include a number of environmentally sustainable design features.

Mayor, Jenny O’Connor says given the location of the hub in what’s known as the Judicial and Civil Precinct, Council has worked closely with its heritage advisor to ensure that the design is sympathetic to the heritage significance of the site.

She said when complete, the hub will offer a number of key community services in a welcoming and comfortable space with modern meeting rooms and the latest technology. It will also provide residents access to a contemporary library space which incorporates features from some of the biggest and best libraries in Australia.

“We’ll also be able to offer best practice kinder and childcare facilities as well as Maternal and Child Health facilities, making the town even more attractive to young families.”

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