Background

A long-awaited upgrade to Hawks Nest Community Centre will proceed soon, thanks to a re-allocation of funding.

The renovations will provide upgraded facilities and more space, making the Centre better suited to community needs.

The existing Centre, opened in 1970, comprises a small community hall and demountable building. Following extensive community consultation, we will soon be ready to move forward with plans to transform this important community hub.

By providing more spacious rooms, improving access, redesigning parking and upgrading the building’s technological capacity, the renovations will help create a better place for gathering, social activities and a space to be enjoyed by all.

We thank the community for their patience, as we’ve worked through lengthy consultation to ensure the facility best suits community needs, and the development application approval process.

Details of the project

The upgrades will include:

• Upgrade of electrical main switchboards capacities of main building
• Construction of new permanent building (extension for new building), adjacent to main one (replacing current “demountable” building)
  • Increased areas for community activities catering to broader community groups
  • Improved technological facilities for multimedia presentations
  • Improved comfort (all year round) within the new construction
  • Increased areas to support current Meals on Wheels activities
  • Redesign of external areas – parking, circulation and landscaping

Funding

At the council meeting on 28 June 2023, councillors approved a report that requested allocations of developer contributions for the upgrade of the Hawks Nest Community Centre.

This project was originally funded by a $300,000 community development grant, however, due to an increase in construction costs since the grant was awarded further funds are required to progress the project.

The use of the additional funds from the Tea Gardens District Section 94 Contributions Plan will now allow the long-awaited upgrade of the community centre to proceed.

The required balance of funds will be provided from the Community Facilities section of the plan and the Open Space section of the plan. The funds from the Open Space section of the plan will be repaid in future years when developer contributions are received.

Read the full Council report on page 131 of the meeting agenda here.

Location of the project