The $17 million project, which has been jointly funded through $15 million from the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program and a $2 million contribution from council, will deliver a two-storey facility on Anzac Ave.
The hub forms a major part of the Seymour Revitalisation Project, a long-term partnership between the local community, council and the Victorian Government to build a stronger, healthier and more connected Seymour.
A new health and wellbeing hub was identified in 2018 as a key priority to break cycles of disadvantage and improve access to essential services.
Stage one of the project will include a new library and community learning spaces, multipurpose meeting rooms for activities and events, a café, and a health hub with clinical and non-clinical consulting rooms, as well as shared work areas for visiting providers.
There will also be landscaped outdoor spaces to create a welcoming and accessible environment for the whole community.
Initial consultation for stage one took place in mid-2024, with revised draft designs placed on public exhibition in August and September this year.
Feedback from residents, community groups and service providers has led to several improvements in the final design, such as:
- A larger community meeting room and expanded café;
- An operable wall allowing the meeting room to be divided into two smaller spaces;
- Upgraded audiovisual and acoustic features to support movie screenings and large events;
- Direct kitchen access to the community meeting room;
- A wet area within the meeting space for creative arts and activities, and;
- Additional desk spaces and plug-in points throughout the ground floor for study and work.
The design refinements have resulted in an additional $572,893 being referred to the capital budget for allocation for the project.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said community input had been essential in shaping a design that reflected local needs.
“We heard from residents, service providers and community groups who told us what was most important to them, and we’ve acted on that,” Cr Dougall said.
“While the additions increase the project cost, they’re practical improvements that will make the hub more welcoming, functional and inclusive for the whole community.
“The project has been a long time coming and is a direct outcome of the Seymour Revitilisation Project. It’s exciting to see it progressing with strong support from the community and our funding partners.”
The detailed design phase, incorporating the refinements, is expected to be completed in early 2026, while construction is scheduled to begin mid-2026 with completion planned for mid-2027.
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