Queenscliff Cultural Hub secures extra $1.2 million

THE state government is providing an additional $1.2 million investment for the Queenscliff Cultural Hub, to create the multi-use facility the community wants.

Announcing the funding on Monday, Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said she would chair a Project Control Group and would ensure the project is delivered in a transparent and inclusive manner, working in close partnership with the local community and all stakeholders.

The additional funding secured will provide the Borough of Queenscliffe with the confidence it needs to get on with delivering a new building to connect the current Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre, Queenscliff Library and Queenscliff Historical Museum, creating a continuous access between the facilities.

The Hub, when completed, will create a light-filled, accessible community space that extends the existing library and museum facilities and expands and modernises the Visitor Information Centre.

The new centre will also assist in rejuvenating Hesse Street.

Available from 2019-20, the $1.2 million has been approved by the Treasurer from the Community Support Fund.

The extra funding builds on the $450,000 already provided through the Living Libraries program, and the state government’s commitment to redirect $2.5 million from Destination Queenscliff project towards the hub.

“The state government is investing in the Queenscliff Cultural Hub to meet the expectations and aspirations of the local community,” Ms Neville said.

“I have listened to the local community and have worked hard within government to ensure a first-class hub will be delivered to the community of Queenscliff.

“I now look forward to working with the community of Queenscliff in delivering this great project.”

The Hesse Street Hub project aims to improve the delivery of library services, visitor information services and historical data and research services offered by the Queenscliff Historical Museum.

“The state government wants to work with the Borough of Queenscliffe to deliver a project that has strong support from locals – we’re not in the business of dictating to residents about what they need,” Ms Neville said.