New hub one step closer

PCLC chief executive Jackie Galloway said the centre was delighted to be selected as a community partner for the proposed future hub. Picture: Supplied

Casey Council has identified two preferred tenant partners for the proposed Cranbourne Community Hub, who will be invited to participate in the forthcoming co-design activity.

Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) and Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC) have been selected as partner community service organisations to be based at the proposed future hub.

The proposed hub, currently in the planning stage and to be located at 1-3 Lyall Street in Cranbourne, will be a purpose-built facility, consolidating and integrating council and community services.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the council completed an in-depth selection process to determine the best fit for the proposed hub.

“Council is in the very early stages of considering the development opportunities of an exciting new community hub in Cranbourne. Our vision for this facility is a purpose-built location for our community to easily access important services,” Ms Duff said.

“We are prioritising specific service providers so that this facility offers the best possible outcomes for the Cranbourne community and fills some of the current gaps in local services.”

It is also proposed that the new hub would be home to the council’s Cranbourne Customer Service Centre, the Cranbourne Youth Information, and the Cranbourne Library in a contemporary and integrated space.

“We want to make interacting with the council as easy as possible and provide an opportunity for council to house a range of complementary services together in a building designed to cater for the needs of our local community,” Ms Duff said.

Services in the southern part of Casey are currently located across a range of sites, including the administration building at the Casey Complex which is now at the end of its operational life and will be closed in coming years.

This project is part of the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre Structure Plan 2020 and the council’s broader plans to revitalise Cranbourne’s town centre and to develop the area as a key regional hub that provides a diversity of jobs, entertainment, transport, services, and spaces that meet the needs of residents and the wider community.

It was initially presented to the council in April 2023 and the total cost is currently estimated at $40.3 million.

Adoption of the Cranbourne Hub into the capital works program is proposed to be sought through council endorsement in early 2025, after co-design and engagement with the broader community.

The project is proposed for inclusion in the 25 to 26, 26 to 27, and 27 to 28 annual budgets to support a 2028 facility opening.

PCLC chief executive Jackie Galloway said the centre was delighted to be selected as a community partner for the proposed future hub.

“The Legal Centre has a long and proud history of delivering free legal services to the Cranbourne community,” she said.

“With such a high demand for our legal services, it is vital that the community has access to local, integrated, and timely legal services.

“We look forward to working with the City of Casey and our colleagues at Cranbourne Information and Support in the design of the community hub.”