Released 29/08/2019
The next steps to deliver the new Woden community centre are underway with tenders sought for feasibility and design.
Last year, the ACT Government announced its commitment to progressing a new community facility in the Woden Town Centre to meet the future social infrastructure needs of the growing Woden Valley region.
Minister for Urban Renewal Rachel Stephen-Smith said that after 50 years of service, Woden Community Service had outgrown its current building on Corinna St which lacks the space to hold meetings, provide services and accommodate community activities.
"The purpose-built community centre will not only be the new home for Woden Community Service but also provide a place for range of integrated services and spaces for community activities and events," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The requirements being considered for the community centre include:
- a multi-purpose accessible meeting hall/exercise/exhibition area/small performance space
- specialist consulting rooms
- smaller multi-purpose rooms
- common reception area and publicly accessible lounge
- workshop and office space for a visual arts coordinator
- food preparation areas
- potential for a privately operated cafe
- integration with the adjacent Woden Town Park and Arabanoo Park
- parking including disabled parking
The recommended site for the centre is on Callam Street, a commercial zoned block opposite the existing bus interchange and adjacent to the heritage listed Callum Offices.
"The planning and investment the ACT Government is making in social and transport infrastructure will help establish Callam Street as the main street of Woden," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Member for Murrumbidgee Chris Steel said, "this is a really exciting time for Woden as we take the next steps to design a community centre for our growing community.
"The community centre is a key project supporting the broader regeneration of Woden Town Centre together with the Government’s investment in the adjacent Woden interchange redevelopment and extension of light rail."
The Government is also exploring the feasibility of an early childhood centre to replace Lollipop’s current centre on Corinna Street. Options include a block South of Callam Offices, which is zoned for a community facility, and other alternative sites within Woden will also be considered.
The successful tenderer will undertake ongoing engagement with the Woden community and key stakeholders to ensure the design and service offerings meet the current and future needs.
Chief Executive Officer of Woden Community Service, Jenny Kitchin, will play an active role in the full scope of design and service offerings, as will the broader Woden community.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to develop facilities that will better service the needs of our community and we’re working closely with the ACT Government to achieve this.
"We will be asking our clients, volunteers and staff in each of our service areas about what they would like to see addressed through this new community infrastructure and to help engage the community in its development."
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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