Trentham Community Hub one step closer

Published on 16 June 2021

Council has adopted the final concept design plans for the $4.62M Trentham Community Hub, which will include the redevelopment of the Trentham Mechanics Institute.

The centrally located facility will include a library, visitor information centre, Council customer service counter, hall and community meeting spaces.

The Victorian Government has committed $3.5M funding towards the project through the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Council will contribute at least $800,000.

Council carried out several rounds of community engagement, with feedback incorporated into the final design. This included fantastic contributions from community members who formed the Project Advisory Group.

“Thank you to everyone who had their say and provided input into the Trentham Community Hub. We received a lot of positive support for the revised design,” said Mayor, Lesley Hewitt.

“With funding confirmed by the Victorian Government, we're on track to start construction next year,” said Cr Hewitt.

Council used the Mechanics Institute as a Relief Centre following the storm event in June.

“The building is a remarkable space, but it is looking a bit tired following many years of use,” said Cr Hewitt.

“By updating and extending the building and incorporating a library, hall, meeting rooms, along with Council and visitor services, the hub will be bigger and better than ever,” she said.  

It’s going to be a great asset for the community for generations to come.”

Coliban Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the community was looking forward to the Hub being built.

“The community centre will be an important building for Trentham. It has been many years in the making and is a much-needed facility,” said Cr Hood.

“The Project Advisory Group has done a great job. Members have worked well together, and the design has received comprehensive support from the community,” he said.

“It shows that Council is listening to residents and we are building a facility that people want and need.

“The funding from State Government demonstrates their support for this project. I strongly believe this is an efficient use of Council resources and funding and I’m really looking forward to having it built.”

The next stage is completing detailed designs, then inviting tenders for construction.

For more information on the project visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/trentham-community-hub.