Content components We’re renewing the William Street and Henry Street neighbourhood house buildings in Central Gardens, Hawthorn.Project budget$4.4 millionThis project has funding allocated in Council's 4-year foreshadowed budget. Council reviews and confirms funding each year through the annual budget process.AboutThe renewed buildings will provide welcoming, flexible spaces for the programs and activities delivered by Hawthorn Community House.We’ll protect and restore important heritage features while improving the spaces for future community use.The renewal will be delivered in two stages. We expect works on the William Street building to start in November 2026. Works on the Henry Street building are expected to start in late 2027.William Street buildingWe’ll upgrade the current building and add a small extension.Key works include:restoring the heritage rooms and fixing moisture issues, while retaining key original featuresimproving the internal layout so the spaces work better for community userefurbishing the kitchencreating a new breakout space for community activitiesadding new ramps, paths and amenities to make the building more accessible and inclusive. Henry Street buildingWe’ll replace the existing rear extension with a modern space designed for community needs.Key works include: restoring the original building, while addressing key structural and moisture issuesadding three multipurpose rooms, a community kitchen with a social room, modern amenities and an outdoor deckadding new ramps and amenities to make the building more accessible and inclusive. TimelineDatesStageStatusLate 2026William Street building – construction expected to startUpcomingMid 2027William Street building – construction expected to finishUpcomingLate 2027 Henry Street building – construction expected to startUpcomingLate 2028 Henry Street building – construction expected to finishUpcoming More informationContact Danielle Short, Community Strengthening Planner, via [email protected] or call 03 9278 4336.
