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.AboutWe’re renewing the buildings in Central Gardens, Hawthorn to provide Hawthorn Community House with welcoming, flexible spaces for valued community programs and activities.The two buildings were originally heritage-listed houses and were later repurposed for use by Hawthorn Community House. The renewal will improve safety, accessibility and functionality while retaining the buildings’ important heritage character.The renewed buildings will include larger, more practical spaces, giving Hawthorn Community House greater flexibility to deliver and expand programs, support more community groups and respond to changing community needs.We’ll protect and restore important heritage features while creating accessible, fit-for-purpose facilities that can support the community for years to come.The renewal will be delivered in two stages. Work on the William Street building is expected to start in November 2026, with work on the Henry Street building 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.
