Feedback sought on new community hub

THE next community hub for the growing Armstrong Creek area is in the works, and public feedback is being sought to shape the facility’s design.

Charlemont’s population of nearly 6,000 people is predicted to increase by 204 per cent and reach nearly 18,000 by 2041, and the City of Greater Geelong says the Horseshoe Bend Community Hub will be vital to ensuring the community has access to the services it needs.

To be situated on the corner of Amber Avenue and Precinct Road, the hub will be home to early years services such as a kindergarten and maternal and child health, and multipurpose community spaces.

The city says draft design priorities have been developed following conversations with users of nearby hubs – including the Armstrong Creek East Community Hub and the Poa Banyul Community Hub – and the feedback will help the city check if these priorites align with the community’s aspirations for the Horseshoe Bend Community Hub.

The three aspirations are:

• Celebrate the environment – making the most of trees and outdoor spaces
• Warm, welcoming, and safe – an inviting space for people of all ages, abilities and cultures for many different activities, and
• Easy to reach and to navigate – A key focus on how you visit the hub and how it integrates with its surrounds.

Community members are also invited to share project ideas.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the community’s feedback would contribute to the Horseshoe Bend Community Hub being a functional and friendly facility for all.

“With the Charlemont community growing rapidly, the council wants residents to have a vibrant place to socialise and participate in the programs and events important to them.

“Let the city know what this means by sharing project ideas at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/HorseshoeBendHub, taking the quick poll or providing a written submission before Friday, September 15.”

Kardinia Ward councillor Bruce Harwood said the community’s feedback would help develop a draft concept design for the facility.

“The final design priorities and community ideas will influence future decisions on the layout, functionality and materials used for the new community hub.

“The council is proud to fund the construction of this project with support from a Victorian Government Building Blocks Planning Grant for the planning and design process.”

A draft concept design will be developed from September to November and finalised by early 2024.

Construction is anticipated to start in 2025, with the hub to be open in 2027.

For more information on the hub and to provide feedback, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/HorseshoeBendHub