A new community hub is set to bring enormous benefit to Sebastopol by rejuvenating and transforming an existing outdated facility.
Design images have now been released for the Sebastopol Community Hub, showcasing a modern facility that will strengthen community connections and improve educational outcomes, while addressing the need for new and improved facilities.
Demolition of two buildings at the current Vickers Street facility is expected to begin in the coming days, with the new fit-for-purpose integrated community hub to open in 2026.
The $14 million project is jointly funded by the City of Ballarat ($5 million), the Federal Government ($4.5 million) via the Investing in Our Communities program and the State Government ($4.5 million) via the Building Blocks Capacity program.
The new facility will provide a fresh home for user groups of the existing building, including the Sebastopol Senior Citizens and the 1st Sebastopol Guides.
Temporary venues have been made available for the community groups that use the existing facility, while the facility is being constructed.
The location of the hub will complement other well-loved community facilities next to and nearby the site, including the Sebastopol Men's Shed, Ballarat Community Health, St George's Reserve, Victory Park, and Sebastopol Splash Park.
It is hoped the new community hub will also be a home for new groups to offer activities and services to the Sebastopol community.
Highlights of the new facility include:
Three 120-square metre kindergarten rooms
- A main hall with a 150-person capacity, featuring an accessible stage
- Four meeting rooms with varying capacities ranging from 12-50 people
- Maternal child health consulting rooms
- A community kitchen
- An outdoor playspace and an undercover play area
- On-site carparking
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the project was vital for Sebastopol and the growing south-western area of the municipality.
Cr Hudson added the community hub highlighted a great collaboration between three tiers of government.
"To have such strong support from both the Federal and the State governments is extremely pleasing and enables us to proceed with a facility that is going to provide enormous benefit to our residents," Cr Hudson said.
"Having one place that can cater to such diverse residents is fantastic. Whether it is the Sebastopol seniors, young children starting their education journey, new babies getting vital health checks or a range of community groups, this facility will cater to them all."
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said it was exciting to see the project progress.
"It's terrific to see this exciting project progressing with demolition beginning and the release of the design images," she said.
"This is an important step in the development of the new and fit for purpose centre that people of all ages in Sebastopol will use, enjoy and be proud of."
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the new community hub would provide a mix of early childhood programs and services, plus spaces for local community groups, in one convenient location.
"The Sebastopol Community Hub will bring together quality kindergarten programs, supported playgroups and maternal and child health services - and I'm proud to support the expansion of child and family services in Ballarat's south," said Ms Addison.
The redevelopment was identified as a high priority in the City of Ballarat Community Infrastructure Plan 2022-2037. Successful advocacy on behalf of our community resulted in funding secured from the State and Federal Governments to deliver this project.
