It’s hall happening: Revamp success for Leopold Community Hall

AEROBICS, scones and a warm cuppa were all on offer when Bellarine MP Lisa Neville visited the Leopold Community Hall on Monday this week to view the completed upgrades.

The historic and much-loved hall received vital upgrades thanks to funding from the federal and state government in conjunction with the Community Support Fund.

Initial calls for upgrade came from the LHC over concerns the hall was not meeting the growing demand for functions and events in the region.

Ms Neville secured the funding in March 2018 and construction work began shortly thereafter.

On Monday, she addressed the crowd and applauded them for their efforts.

“I congratulate president Kevin Smith, the committee, other hall users and the Leopold community for their efforts in ensuring this historic hall continues to be upgraded,” she said.

“In 2007 I was pleased to have secured $102,000 to upgrade the halls flooring and heating, and this latest round of funding continues on this important work.

“These works will ensure the historic 127-year-old Leopold Community Hall will now continue to serve the community well into the future.”

Key improvements to the hall include the addition of a ballet room which will also double as a meeting space for hire; new accessible unisex toilets, expanded lockable storage and construction of ramps to make the hall accessible from the surrounding car parks.

Mr Smith said the upgrades will also ensure the hall can meet all current and futures needs of Leopold and the surrounding community.

“The upgrade will maintain Leopold Community Hall as a key meeting place for the community, serving locals across Leopold, the Bellarine and the wider Geelong region.”

The hall is used by a variety of groups for different activities including yoga, tai chi, karate and line dancing and helps support several community groups and networks integral to Leopold’s livability.