You're invited to have your say on the proposed restoration of Fenton Hall in Merricks North. Built in the 1930s, Fenton Hall requires extensive repairs for it to be used again as a community facility. We want to know how you would like to see the hall and surrounding area used. As part of this year's Budget, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has allocated $50,000 to look at restoration options for Fenton Hall. We want plans to accommodate the needs of the community and ensure the hall will be well used. Until October 2017, the facility was used for community meetings, theatre company rehearsals, men's shed presentations, life drawing classes, playgroups, trivia nights and celebrations such as birthdays, reunions and weddings. The restoration of the exterior will reflect the heritage values identified in the heritage assessment. In a separate but related matter, we will undertake a planning scheme amendment process early next year to apply a heritage overlay on the hall. Community consultation is an important part of the planning and design process – we encourage you to take part. Council will consider comments to ensure planning meets the needs of the community.Consultation closes at 5pm on 15 February 2022. To have your say, please visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/fentonhallQuotes attributable to Mayor, Anthony Marsh "We encourage the local community to register their interest in this project and have their say on how a restored Fenton Hall might be used. This little hall clearly has a long an interesting history and has been used quite extensively by the community over almost 90 years and so how it might be used in the future is a very exciting prospect."Quotes attributable to Councillor, David Gill "Fenton Hall and the area surrounding it gives our community a wonderful opportunity to explore possibilities to make this heritage valued site into a hub for community activity and perhaps even an arts and culture precinct. Looking forward to your input."
