THE redevelopment of the Yarraville Community Centre has moved ahead another step when the Federal Government honoured a promise to provide $1 million towards the project in its budget last week.
The redevelopment, which includes basic structural works designed to bring the 133-year-old building up to scratch, has been funded from a range of areas.
The City of Maribyrnong has already committed $1 million to the project and the State Government a total of $1.77 million. But the total cost of the refurbishment could be as high as $5 million, the centre’s manager, Chris McCall, said.
The centre provides a range of services including child care, playgroup, recreation classes and support services and is about to embark on its own fundraising campaign. About 2000 people a week walk through its doors.
Work has already started at the Francis St site, which was once a primary school, and the centre has moved temporarily to Blackwood St while work is completed, expected to be by the end of next year.
Maribyrnong mayor Michelle MacDonald welcomed the funding. “This is terrific news that gives us further cause for optimism that the centre can be repaired and retained for future community use – which is what our community clearly wants to see,” she said.
The budget also promised to deliver cash for a child-care centre at Yarraville, one of 38 across the nation.
