Upgrades completed at St Leonards hall

THE St Leonards Memorial Hall has received significant upgrades, enhancing the community space and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant visited the hall on Thursday last week to view the finished works.

“Community halls are so often at the heart of our regional towns and cities, and I’m so pleased to see this well-loved and used space continues to be an important part in the fabric of St Leonard,” Ms Tierney said.

“These upgrades will mean the St Leonards community will continue to have a place to gather, celebrate, socialise and learn for years to come.”

The nearly 100-year-old hall received a new main floor and associated structural repairs.

These improvements – which include upgrades to the entrance and rear courtyard – aim to enhance safety and enable community groups to expand the activities that can take place in the hall.

As the only local venue for community activities, the hall’s previous condition limited safe usage.

The new, level surface will allow for dance classes, carpet bowls, and preschool programs, among other activities.

In addition to community events, the upgrades will open the door for new business opportunities, including Pilates and yoga classes, market stalls, art shows, and potentially weddings and parties.

Works began in late June.

The project was backed by $124,000 in funding through Regional Development Victoria and the Tiny Towns Fund.