Released 18/07/2024
The ACT Government is building the social infrastructure our growing city needs with a new investment in a community centre for Woden.
“We understand the importance of building social infrastructure as our city grows and its why we’re fully funding the construction of a new community centre in the growing town centre of Woden,” said Special Minister of State, Chris Steel.
“This four-storey community facility will be built on Callam Street next to the new bus interchange near the Woden Youth Centre.”
The Centre will include areas for hire such as meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall and workshop spaces that are accessible and available to the entire community.
“This will be a place for community events, meetings and arts activities and provide a permanent home for Woden Community Service,” said Minister Steel.
Co-locating Woden Community Services in a purpose-built facility will ensure that this important organisation can continue to support our community.
“With Woden Community Service currently spread across a number of locations, this investment will bring together essential services for the Woden community in an accessible location close to public transport,” said Minister Steel.
“Work is now underway to finalise the design so that it blends seamlessly with the Town Centre, ahead of construction commencing.”
The new Community Centre is the latest in series of infrastructure investments in the town centre and an opportunity to consolidate and renew services in this growing region.
“In addition to recent upgrades at the Woden Library, and a new large multipurpose hall at CIT Woden under construction, this separate new Community Centre will ensure that the Woden Valley has a range of social infrastructure and services to support its growing population,” said Minister Steel.
“The Government’s significant investment in public infrastructure in Woden through light rail, a new interchange, the new CIT campus and now a new community centre have been a game changer for the broader regeneration of the Town Centre.
“It will mean that Woden Town Centre is not just a place to shop, work, live and study, but also a place of community.”
Construction is expected to commence in 2026.
Attribute to CEO Woden Community Service Jenny Kitchin:
"WCS welcomes this announcement, as the new centre will provide a central site for all our programs to come together to deliver services more effectively to the community.
"The ability to share this space with the broader community is very exciting.
"We look forward to working with government and the community to ensure the space and facilities reflect the current and emerging needs of our community. "
Background – About Woden Community Services
Woden Community Service (WCS) has operated in Woden as a not-for-profit community services provider for more than 50 years.
WCS offers services across support sectors including disability, early learning, out of school hours care, housing support, tenancy support, family support, youth support, aged care and mental health.
WCS employs 450 staff, who are currently spread across three different sites.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases