We are creating a new precinct to provide early years services and community programs for all ages in our community.
In addition to the development of a new purpose-built facility, we are redeveloping the 3 historic buildings bordering Canterbury Gardens. These buildings will be renewed internally to include fit-for-purpose, modern facilities while protecting and preserving the neighbourhood heritage and character for future generations to enjoy.
Works will include internal upgrades and heritage restoration works of the:
- former Canterbury Bowling Club pavilion
- Canterbury Maternal and Child Health Centre
- former Canterbury Public Library.
You can watch the latest progress update below from our Maling Ward Councillor, Jane Addis.
Status
We are pleased to let you know a number of our community groups and services will gradually start to move into the new purpose-built main building and the renewed former Canterbury Bowls Pavilion located on Kendall Street from Monday 14 March 2023. We expect to open these buildings to the community in March 2023.
The following service providers are preparing to move into this brand-new facility:
- Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre, including Canterbury Community Garden
- Canterbury Maternal and Child Health
- Canterbury Gardens Kindergarten
- Playstation Occasional Care
- Canterbury Toy Library.
The remaining redeveloped existing buildings are due to be completed later in 2023. The groups who will move into these revitalised spaces include:
- Interchange Inner East
- Canterbury History Group
- Surrey Hills Historical Society.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new Canterbury Community Precinct and thank the community and service providers for their ongoing support.
Timeline
| Dates | Stage | Progress update | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | Project completion – stage 1 | Anticipated project completion time – stage 1 | In progress |
| Mid 2022 | Internal fit-out | Final amenities were installed. | Completed |
| Early 2022 | Installation of the roof, wall, cladding and sheeting | Works started. | Completed |
| Late 2021 | Roof trusses | Current structure was connected to the new structure. | Completed |
| Late 2021 | Structural steel | Structural steel was erected. | Completed |
| Early 2021 | Construction to commence | Main building works were started. | Completed |
| Early 2021 | Demolition | Site establishment and demolition works completed. | Completed |
| April 2020 | Plans released | We continued to work closely with the service providers who will be housed in the Precinct on the detailed design elements. | Completed |
| 11 October to 10 November 2019 | Community consultation | The community had the opportunity to provide feedback about the proposed design concept via an online survey and two information sessions. | Completed |
| January to September 2019 | Service provider consultation | We consulted with the service providers to develop a proposed design that will meet the needs of the community and provide service providers with high quality, modern facilities. | Completed |
More about the project
We are building a new purpose-built facility and restoring the historical buildings in Canterbury Gardens, to create a precinct which provides early years services and community programs for all ages in our community.
These important community services currently operate in various locations in Canterbury. Co-locating them in one convenient precinct will ensure the ongoing delivery of high-quality and easily accessible services to the community.
It will provide long-term security for service providers and community groups mentioned above, and assist in building strong connections by co-locating them in a shared space.
The new precinct includes:
- a permanent home for the Canterbury Gardens Kindergarten to ensure continued access to an important early years service for families in the community
- a permanent home for the Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre so they can continue to provide their range of programs and create a central meeting place for the community
- a dedicated space in the precinct for the Canterbury History Group and the Surrey Hills Historical Society, providing an opportunity for them to securely store and preserve important items for future generations to enjoy
- underground car parking
- improvements to the Logan Street underpass to provide a safer travel pathway for the community, as well as increase visibility and direct access to Canterbury Gardens.
The precinct is an $11.7 million initiative and outlined as a major infrastructure project in the Council Budget 2021–22. You can read through this budget on our Council Budgets page.
The Victorian Government is contributing $1.6 million to the project through the Children’s Facilities Capital Program, aimed at providing local families with access to great local kindergartens. The Victorian Government has also provided an additional grant of $110,000 as part of the Changing Places funding initiative.
Parking
The total number of on-site car parks has been increased to 45. This is an increase from the 13 formal car parks that are currently on site and 18 informal car parks on the gravel.
The current on-street Permit Zone parking spaces will be retained for use by Precinct staff, volunteers, or visitors.
Pedestrian safety
We have included a new pedestrian path from the ground level car park that leads directly to the main foyer to provide a safer and more direct route to the facility. Warning signs will be installed to caution exiting vehicles of pedestrians in the area and vice versa.
More information
To receive updates on this project via email, completed the Canterbury Community Precinct sign up form-external site to join our mailing list.
For more information about the construction of the new precinct, please contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling us on (03) 9278 4444.