Frequently Asked Questions
- Flexible spaces include a hall and a range of multi-purpose rooms of different sizes
- Display, exhibition and foyer space
- Kitchen/café/kiosk
- Training rooms
- Art room (wet/dry space)
- Offices
- Storage spaces
- children’s room
- Consultation suites
- Sport pavilion spaces to service two outdoor fields
- Improved timelines to allow Council to deliver the hub ready for operation in 2023
- Improved ability to influence design and provision of services
- cost effective construction and
operational models,
- ability to integrate with existing carpark and internal pathways and facilities,
- ability to place the facility to maximise support for
sports grounds and ensure easy access for all residents.
- The recommended location also minimises damage to the existing mature trees
- Allocated funding for design development in the short term (2019/20/21), including $500k in 2019/20
- $20m to construct the Hub and associated infrastructure ($12m in 2021/22 and $8m in 2022/23)
- $20m+ for the Debneys Park precinct in the long term
What is proposed for the Community Hub?
The hub will include:
Where will the hub be located?
The hub will be located adjacent to the existing carpark, between the current Flemington Community Centre and the Debneys Park Pavilion.
The image in the photo library shows the estimated location. Once an architect is appointed the exact location will be determined.
Why did Council decide not to continue negotiating with DHHS?
The advantage of going forward with the
Flemington Community Hub on Council owned and controlled land include;
What are the timelines for the project?
Council is committed to delivering the Flemington Community Hub in 2023
How were the facilities to be included in the hub decided?
Facilities have been based on extensive
community feedback and a thorough needs assessment.
These spaces will be designed to be adaptable to a wide range of uses, which will be able to change over time to reflect community needs.
How much money has Council committed to deliver the project (Hub and Debneys Park improvements)?
Council has adopted the following funds to the project:
Council adopts the budget annually and reviews the long-term capital works budget regularly as project progress and more information comes to light.
Council is advocating for external funding. Such grant revenues are not budgeted for but if received are appropriately accounted for in accordance with financial regulatory requirements. The project was never dependant on receiving grants from other levels of government. Should Council be fortunate to receive funding from other levels of government, we will update our plans accordingly.
How does the reduction in budget affect the project scope?
Even though we have a reduced amount of funding to work with, there is still $20 million
allocated to the Hub, plus design development funds enabling us to continue undertaking an
exciting redevelopment with a new Hub to meet the needs of our community. The large amount
of work undertaken to date is still extremely relevant and will continue to contribute greatly to
the project going forward.
What happens next?
Council will be engaging an architect shortly to work through the design process. This process will continue throughout 2020 and into 2021 before tendering for a construction company to build the facility which is anticipated for late 2021/early 2022.
Council is committed to having the new community centre operational in 2023.
What will happen to the existing Community Centre
It is proposed to continue operating the existing Community Centre until the new building is complete. Once complete both the Community Centre and Sports Pavilion will be demolilshed.
Will the feedback previously provided still be used?
Yes. Feedback we have received so far from the community has been extremely valuable and is
still very relevant. This feedback and input will be used to inform the revised draft concepts
going forward.
Will we be able to provide feedback?
Council officers and architects will engage with key users and the community to ensure the functionality of the new Hub aligns with current and future demands.
Who are the proposed user groups for the Flemington Hub?
The idea is to create a space and facilities that will primarily benefit and bring together the entire
Flemington community.
What correspondence has taken place between the State Government and Council regarding funding for the Hub?
Formal letters were sent to candidates and MPs in the State electorates of Essendon and Niddrie seeking support for the project in the lead up to the State Election.
We continue to have conversations with the State Government about opportunities for funding
and nothing has been ruled out.
What is the impact of East West Link on the project?
The East West Link project was abandoned by the State Government in July 2015.
In May 2019 the Federal Coalition Government made an election commitment to fund East West
Link. The State Labor Government remains opposed to the project. Council will keep you
informed as further information comes to hand.
What’s happening with the Flemington Housing Estate renewal?
Council has committed to progress the Flemington Community Hub separate to the Flemington Housing Estate Renewal. For information regarding this project please visit https://vhhsba.vic.gov.au/housing-andinfrastructure/flemington-estate
What role is the State Government Flemington Education Plan for Flemington having on decision making for the Hub?
The Department of Education anticipate considerable growth in demand for education services in the Flemington, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds areas, and are working with local stakeholders (current and future parents, students, school staff and education experts) to explore future provision options. Schools involved include Flemington Primary School, Debney Meadows Primary School, Mount Alexander College and Ascot Vale Special School.
Council is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure our respective projects leverage any opportunities for a cohesive approach to meeting the needs and aspirations of the Flemington community.
For further information go to https://engage.vic.gov.au/flemington-education-plan
What will happen to Debney Meadows Primary School?
Council is committed to delivering the Flemington Commuity Hub seperate to any other project. Therefore any future plans regarding Debney Meadows Primary School will not impact our project.
Will the significant trees be protected?
All significant trees will be protected during the project. We will explore options for improved landscaping, to meet our target of 30 per cent tree canopy coverage by 2040.
What is a community hub?
A community hub is a community facility, or a number of closely located community facilities, that accommodate a range of services and activities available to the community. Community hubs often become vibrant focal points for the local community. They allow service providers to share resources and co-ordinate their services, which can reduce the overall building size and footprint. A new community hub is a priority for Flemington in Council's long term vision document, MV2040. As an important focal point for the neighbourhood, the community hub will provide social, health and economic development opportunities.
Why do we need to improve Flemington Community Centre and Debneys Park?
The existing community centre supports a range of community services and activities. However, the building in disrepair and struggling to meet the existing community need. Demand for most services is high and there is an increasing need for spaces for classes, co-working, and community events. While the sports pavilion in the park is heavily utilised, it is also in poor condition. It has no public toilets or social space and does not comply with sporting code guidelines.
What will it cost to use the new community hub?
Council is committed to ensuring community facilities remain affordable and accessible to the broad community.