Civic Precinct and Community Hub Redevelopment

  • Project typeRedevelopment
  • Project value$36 million
  • Project scheduleJanuary 2023 to end of 2024
  • Contractor nameIreland Brown Constructions
Town Hall Redevelopment Works and Projects Page Image

 

Council is undertaking a multi-million dollar redevelopment that will see the historic Footscray Town Hall renovated and a new community park and civic administration building constructed.

Works will include the refurbishment and conservation of the 80-year old heritage listed Town Hall (in line with Heritage Victoria requirements), along with the demolition of the existing office and Community Wellbeing buildings, and construction of a new, modern six-star Green Star administration building and a new community park.

Demolition of the office buildings is now complete. Earthworks continue on site along with remediation works inside the Town Hall in line with Heritage Victoria approvals.

The build is being part funded by a $10 million dollar loan from the State Government’s Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, which provides access to low-interest subsidised loans.

This is a two year project with works scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

Project scope

There are four main construction elements:

Demolition of existing buildings

The existing administration building (excluding heritage listed areas) and Community Wellbeing building will be completely demolished.

With fencing erected in December 2022, these demolition works will get underway in January 2023.

Construction of a 6-star green building

Green Star is an internationally recognised sustainability rating system that supports buildings to lower operating costs and improve the health and wellbeing of occupants.

Six Star accreditation represents ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices and is what we will be aiming for in the new civic administration building.

Refurbishment and conservation works

Refurbishment works will be carried out to the heritage listed Town Hall including upgrades to internal finishes, new public meeting spaces and external conservation works.

This work will be undertaken to meet Heritage Victoria requirements and with their oversight.

Construction of the community park

Construction of the community park is expected to commence towards the end of the project.

Designs for this element are not yet finalised but, in line with what Council heard from the community, the community park will include plenty of shade, seating, focus on soft surfaces (where practicable), and a reflection of the cultural and indigenous history.

Design

The final design strikes a balance between maintaining historical aspects and creating modern assets for future users. The forum space, which is the physical link between the old and the new, will include a new entry of Hyde Street connecting to the community meeting spaces and new community park. There will also be a second entrance off Napier Street.

See the artist’s impressions below.  Click on an image to enlarge.

Where to find us during the redevelopment

Relocating from the Town Hall location

During the redevelopment, staff usually based at Town Hall are being relocated to various locations throughout the municipality.  Find out more below.

Customer Service Centre

A Customer Service Centre has been established at Footscray Library, 56 Paisley Street, Footscray, where you can make in-person enquiries.  The Centre is staffed from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

As always, Customer Service can also be reached by phoning 9688 0200 or by sending an email to email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Council Meetings

The Council Chamber has been relocated to the Main Hall at Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook, where official meetings – including the monthly Council Meeting, City Development Delegated Committee, Audit and Risk Committee and special meetings – are now being held.

For more information about Council Meetings, visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings

Returning to the Town Hall location

Once the redevelopment works are complete, sometime towards the end of 2024, staff will move into the new administration building and the Council Chamber will be returned to the refurbished Footscray Town Hall.

Community engagement

The final design incorporates many of the elements the community has asked during a series of conversations during 2021 and 2022. This included three engagement phases:

Phase 1

August/September 2021

We started a conversation with our community to understand their expectations.

Phase 2

November 2021 to January 2022

We began sharing initial designs for community feedback.

Phase 3

March/April 2022

We shared the final designs with our community, and gathered additional comments.

For more information around engagement visit the Civic Precinct page on Your City Your Voice, Council's community engagement platform.

Location

61 Napier Street, Footscray 3011  View Map

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