By Laura Wakely
BRIMBANK City Council will begin construction next month on the Sydenham Community Hub at Watergardens.
The council acquired the two-storey building on Station St, which currently houses the Sydenham Library, for just a dollar last year.
From March, the council will begin its plans to redevelop the 1300-square metre space on the second floor, which will see the Neighbourhood House move from the Sydenham Community Centre to the hub, as well as a new council service centre, art and performance space, youth services, a community meeting space and computer facilities.
The Community Centre will become the Sydenham Children’s Hub, adding Maternal and Child Health Services and the Overton Lea Kindergarten to existing services, which include child care and playgroups.
Council has allocated $500,000 for the first stage of the redevelopment of the hub.
But disability advocates are disappointed the plans do not include a disability service.
Autism Angels spokesperson Despina Havelas said the group had asked the council to include a disability service in the hub.
“Once again, disability is neglected by the administrators and Brimbank Council,” Ms Havelas said.
“We’re devastated for the lack of compassion and the isolation.
“They do not understand how we feel, they do not understand at all.”
Council staff told Star the hub would be fully-accessible to disabled residents with a lift, large change room with hoist, a hearing loop and recharge support.
Chair of Administrators Peter Lewinsky said the council had engaged with the community to make sure the hub would meet the needs of a broad number of residents.
He said it was part of council’s vision to revitalise town centres and ensure they were in a central and accessible place for all residents of the Sydenham district.
“The new hub will complement our existing community infrastructure in the area, and help us serve the needs of this growing district,” Mr Lewinsky said.
The first floor redevelopment is expected to be completed by mid-year, and library services will operate as normal.
For more information, visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
