Armstrong Creek community facility nears completion

A NEW $13 million community hub with early years and family services on the western side of Armstrong Creek is nearing completion.

The facility, being built at 110-112 Unity Drive in the Armstrong Mt Duneed estate, will be similar in size and function to the

Armstrong Creek East Community Hub located on the other side of the growth area.

Jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($10.7 million) and Victorian government ($2.25 million), the hub will provide a new kindergarten for 66 children over three rooms, maternal and child health services, consulting rooms and community spaces.

 

Construction is nearing its end, with the building at the lock-up stage and finishing works such as painting, flooring installation and paving being carried out.

With work expected to be finished in the coming months, the facility will begin to open to the community during the second half of this year.

The city says the hub – which is yet to be officially named but was referred to in the early stages as the Armstrong Creek West Community Hub – is a vital piece of social infrastructure designed to foster strong community ties in one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas.

Located next to Mirripoa Primary School, Club Armstrong, Mount Duneed Makers Shed and a recreation reserve, it is designed to be a flexible and adaptable place that brings community together and where people can get access to important services.

The city is running a tender process to find an external provider to run the kindergarten and community spaces, and is close to announcing the successful candidate.

City of Greater Geelong councillors Belinda Moloney and Bruce Harwood joined South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman on a walkthrough of the facility’s construction site on Monday this week.

Cr Harwood said it was exciting to see the building’s progress.

“From this week’s visit we got a real sense of the facility’s size and what it will look like once it’s finished.”

“It’s going to be really impressive – a great place for local children and families.”

 

Cr Moloney said the city’s investment in the hub was aimed at supporting the growing Mount Duneed population.

“There is a strong community building in this area and it will continue to grow over the coming years,” Cr Moloney said.

“We want to make sure everyone who lives here has close access to modern facilities and high quality services.

“Buildings such as this hub help to create healthy and happy communities.”

Mr Cheeseman welcomed the progress on the hub.

“This new facility will mean South Barwon kids can access high-quality kinder close to home,” he said.

“Investing in the early years in vital in encouraging a strong educational future and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

“That is why the Andrews Labor Government is launching free kinder from this year for all families.”