Sites identified for Drouin hub

Five options have been shortlisted for the location of community hub in Drouin.

Baw Baw shire council is currently seeking the public’s views on which site they prefer.

Consideration of possible locations followed community feedback last year that pointed to Drouin’s need for a community hub that could include an early learning facility, multifunctional spaces, a large hall, library, youth spaces, information and business support centres and outdoor areas.

Council’s long-term infrastructure plan allows for $7 million to be spent on the project but indicative costings of the five options range from $8 million to $16 million.

Some external funding and a staged development would be required because of the overall cost.

The options short-listed are:Current shire offices in Civic Park, Drouin. This would require council to relocate its staff to another location.

Extend the shire offices building and retain council staff at the site.

Build on a car park at the corner of Brynwood Avenue and Edward St, close to the shire offices and currently serving a playground in Civic Park.

Utilise property in Oak St where the Drouin senior citizens’ hall and croquet club green and clubhouse are located.

Establish the hub at the Bellbird Park recreation precinct.

Preliminary details of the five options are available on the shire’s website and council is seeking community comment until July 15.

The push for a community hub at Drouin follows the priority given the project in the development of the Council plan 2017-2021.

The five options now being canvassed were chosen based on ownership of the land, connection to other existing facilities and transport and pedestrian access.

Other than the Bellbird Park option all are located within a few hundred metres of the town centre.

Council noted that social infrastructure at Drouin had not matched the town’s 27 per cent population growth between 2011 and 2016.

Feedback from the community about the proposals will aid council’s consideration of a preferred site.

Further information is also available through project manager Katherine Holden on 5624 2411 or by email to Baw Baw shire.

The site of the croquet club(foreground) and senior citizens centre in Oak St is one of five options Baw Baw shire council is considering as a site for a community hub.