Cardinia Shire Council is considering 5 options for the future of the Youth Hub project in Pakenham.
At the Council meeting scheduled for 17 June, Council is expected to consider endorsement of 5 options to be further assessed as part of the Youth Hub redevelopment.
The options include:
Build the Youth Hub in James St as planned.
Expand/redevelop My Place.
Build a new facility at PB Ronald Reserve or redevelop an existing building.
Build a new facility at The Point or redevelop an existing building.
Explore opportunities within the vicinity of the Pakenham Major Activity Centre.
Following the liquidation of Allmore Constructions Pty Ltd in October 2023, Council engaged relevant technical experts to undertake independent investigations of the site. The investigation found that the structural defects made the building unsafe.
Ms Jeffs said that Council was committed to ensuring a thorough process in considering the future of the Youth Hub project.
"We recognise that there has been, and will continue to be significant changes in the Pakenham town centre area since the Youth Hub was initially planned and designed in 2019. It's therefore important that Council conducts a thorough and transparent process and that we consider all viable options when evaluating the future of the Youth Hub project," Ms Jeffs said.
"No decision has been made as yet, and options will be assessed to ensure we can provide a youth hub that will meet the needs of the community and our partners, and that it can be completed as quickly as possible with available funding."
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council remained committed to working with key partners to ensure continuity of youth services for the shire's young people.
"Council's intention has always been very clear – we are committed to delivering a youth hub in Pakenham to support our young people" Mayor Kowarzik said.
"The forecast growth in population, and growing number of young people living in our shire, reinforces the need for a Youth Hub to be delivered as soon as possible."
Youth services are continuing to be provided from My Place in Main Street, Pakenham, and Council is continuing to work closely with services that provide important programs and support to young people.
"Council remains committed to supporting a range of services locally that assist our young people, and I would like to thank local service providers for their continued support of our young people," Mayor Kowarzik said.
Council is continuing to seek legal advice on any appropriate action that may be taken by Council on behalf of the community against those responsible for design and construction.
