By Peter Douglas
MYSTERY surrounds the future of the Hills Hub development in Emerald, despite assurances from Cardinia Shire Council the project will continue.
The Hub development seeks to unite numerous community services under the one roof, including health and counselling services, an arts space, local tourism promotion and more.
The initiative has received substantial funding of more than $5 million, sourced from federal and local government, as well as the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Group and the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group.
But it is now unknown when work on the project will begin.
Work was meant to start mid this year with completion late next year.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Team Leader Community Strengthening, Tim Cooper, said the planning stage has stalled.
“The Hills Hub redevelopment has been in planning phase for the past 12 months with a wide range of community stakeholders making up the Hills Hub Advisory Group,” he said.
“At this point in time, the planning undertaken around the concept designs has stalled.
“Council, in partnership with the community stakeholder organisations, are exploring options regarding moving forward with the redevelopment as planned.”
Before Mr Cooper’s statement, Cardinia Shire had reported about 19 submissions were being assessed, with the final design to be further developed in consultation with the Hills Hub Advisory Group and wider community.
Mr Cooper has assured the community the funding arrangements were still in place.
“The Australian Government funding of $1.5 million is still secure, as is Council’s $3.5 million commitment to the project and the Bendigo Bank funding of $250,000 through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Project Group,” Mr Cooper said.
“We hope to be in a more informed position next week and will provide further details regarding those avenues to move forward with the project as planned.”
The Hills Hub is to be located at the Emerald Library and Mechanics Hall precinct.
The existing hall was to be renovated and a new building constructed in the space occupied by the local Men’s Shed and the University of the Third Age (U3A).
In June last year, about 100 people attended an information session at the Emerald Hall precinct and provided feedback for the initiative.
At the time, then Cardinia Shire mayor, Cr Letitia Wilmot, was confident the Hub would address important social, health and economic needs in the east-west corridor of the Hills region.
“This facility is a significant project that will greatly benefit the Hills community for many years to come,” Cr Wilmot said.
