Design works to progress on woodend community centre

A bigger and better Woodend Community Centre is one step closer thanks to the Andrews Labor Government providing funding to fast-track detailed design works.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Woodend and announced $260,000 from the Investment Fast Track Fund will be put towards the design stage of the planned redevelopment.

The redevelopment was a key recommendation from the Woodend Community Centre Master Plan, completed in 2021 thanks to a grant through the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.

The local community has been engaged with through the development of the master plan and will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the design process.

A new library, performance space, foyer and gallery, café, visitor information hub, and an outdoor events space are all part of the plans to update the community centre to meet the needs of the growing community.

The new spaces will be designed to take advantage of natural light and create a more vibrant and welcoming place to visit.

The redevelopment will support up to 25 full-time construction jobs and ongoing roles including seven customer service positions and 14 library staff.

The Investment Fast Track Fund is taking projects from the ideas phase to be investment and development-ready, with grants of up to $500,000 available to local councils, community organisations and the private sector for planning, design and business case works.

The Fund is part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria and supports councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.

It is central to Government’s $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. Information on the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"I look forward to seeing the design process get underway with the revamped centre set to improve social and employment prospects in Woodend."

"We’re fast-tracking the design of the Woodend Community Centre because we know how important this project is to the local community."

"We’re meeting the needs of Victoria’s growing communities, creating jobs and boosting regional economies."