A new centre in Windale is set to connect the community while encouraging residents to learn and create.
The proposed multi-purpose centre will feature a high-tech library, modern community spaces and a flexible layout.
It comes after community engagement showed there was a need for a space to come together and feel at home.
“The open-plan design, flexible social spaces and library functions woven throughout the building aim to create the feeling of a welcoming, safe community loungeroom,” Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships, Andrew Bryant, said.
“The community also wanted the building to be adaptable to provide a wide range of services, allowing social activities to take place alongside spaces for learning, wellbeing and personal achievements.”
The building design features a range of adaptable spaces, including a large community hall and an activity room, for gatherings and functions, as well as ‘maker-space’ activities, smaller meeting rooms that are sound-proofed to enable use as a recording studio, and several office spaces.
Lake Macquarie City Council lodged plans for the new community hub, to be built on the site of the existing ageing community hall.
“This facility will create a centre piece for a rapidly changing suburb,” Mayor Kay Fraser said.
“Council’s investment in Windale and other nearby projects, such as the new Windale skate park, shows our commitment to providing more housing, employment opportunities and the necessary services in the area.
“This project will continue the role of the existing library and community hall as key meeting places and activity centres in Windale, ensuring we continue to provide valuable services for local residents.”
The new facility, identified in the Charlestown Development Contributions Catchment Plan, will be funded by development contributions and proceeds from the sale of council land at Bennetts Green.
Pending approvals, construction is expected to commence in mid-2021, go to the council’s website for more information.
For more stories like this:
