Hub opening still waiting

A low-cost family focussed community centre in Warragul – the Warragul Hub – is still waiting for the all-clear to finalise upgrades to the premises that were initially planned to open last April.

Several issues relating to the former industrial/commercial building at the corner of North Rd and June Crt emerged only days before the planned official opening and the organising committee is still waiting for a building permit to be issued.

Spokesperson Julie Bellingham said she expected the permit was imminent.

She said the main issues related to disability access and the need to widen hallways and entrances by about 15 centimetres.

The Hub has been developed by several district church groups.

So far more than 1000 manhours of volunteer labour and $150,000 has been invested in the project that provides an activity centre for children, a mini golf course, rooms for counselling, meetings, seminars and social gatherings, a café and play area.

The funds have come from donations, grants and sponsorships by district businesses.

Ms Bellingham said it would be several months after the building permit was approved before the alterations to meet disability access requirements could be completed.

“It would be a miracle if we were able to open before Christmas,” she said.