Sebas hub works on track

WORKS to construct the new Sebastopol Community Hub at the corner of Vickers and Beverin streets are on track.

Members of local, State and Federal governments, and the Sebastopol Senior Citizens group were on site for a progress update last week.

The intergenerational facility will have three 22-place kindergarten rooms and play spaces, three meeting areas, a 150-person hall, maternal child health consulting rooms, a community kitchen, and on-site carparking.

The slab is expected to be poured within the next week, and framing is expected in April or May.

“I’d like to thank the Federal and State governments, the local government for the money that’s been put in to build this amazing facility … and thank you to the builders,” said Sebastopol Senior Citizens secretary Bev Lovett, who has been a key advocate for the site’s redevelopment for many years.

“We’ve been watching with lots of interest, and we’re getting asked every week how it’s going and when the slab will be laid.”

The City of Ballarat has contributed up to $5 million, the Federal Government has chipped in $4.5 million through the Investing in Our Communities program, and the State Government has allocated $4.5 million via the Building Blocks Capacity program.

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves were at the site visit.

“It’s so exciting to see this important project taking shape,” Ms King said.

“The new Sebastopol Community Hub will be a place of learning and social connection for both kinder kids and senior citizens.

“It will be a special, multi-generational facility that will serve our community for generations to come.”

Ms Addison said the opportunities for intergenerational socialising will be exciting.

“By investing $4.5 million into the Sebastopol Community Hub through our Building Blocks Capacity program, we are not only creating new kindergarten rooms and places but contributing funds for a much-needed purpose built space for the whole community,” she said.