The community needs a hub

LIKE a lot of the communities in the south of Kardinia Ward, the Marshall – Charlemont area in growing at a rapid rate.

The area is now home to about 6400 residents, with that figure to rise towards 18,000 by the year 2041.

In response to this growth, it is important that the facilities and services the community needs are provided in a timely manner.

One of the key pieces of infrastructure Council is planning to deliver is the Horseshoe Bend Community Hub.

To be built on the corner of Amber Avenue and Precinct Road, the hub will be a focal point for early years services, health services, public events, and other community activities.

We’ve seen the great value these facilities provide, with the Poa Banyul and Armstrong Creek East community hubs quickly becoming a hive of formal and social activity for their areas.

Following some great public feedback last year, a draft concept plan has been created for the Horseshoe Bend Community Hub in Charlemont.

The proposed design aims to incorporate the ideas that residents told us were important, such as:

• Encouraging opportunities for social interaction outdoors, including future events
• Retaining trees for shade
• Reserving space for a community garden
• Spaces to support activities for youth and older adults; and
• Suitable walking paths and car parking.

The proposed plan for the hub, to be situated on the corner of, features:

• Various multipurpose community spaces, connecting to a large outdoor space for events and activities
• A north facing kindergarten, outdoor space and parent waiting area
• Consult suites for maternal and child health, allied health and supporting services
• A large outdoor area; and
• Space for a future community garden.

We’re holding in person engagement sessions at Charlemont’s Glenlee Regional Park from 9am-11am on Saturday 23 March and on Saturday 13 April at 12pm-2pm.

I encourage residents to view the draft concept plan and give feedback online at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/HorseshoeBendHub

If you want to talk to the City team about the plans, there will be two engagement sessions held at Glenlee Regional Park.

The first is on Saturday, March 23 from 9am to 11am, with another one to be held on Saturday 13 April from midday to 2pm.

Once all the public feedback has been collated and reviewed, officers aim to finalise designs for the community hub later this year, before construction begins in early 2025.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong