More than 200 Yarra Ranges residents and visitors were welcomed to the new library, cultural space and maternal and child health services at the redeveloped Montrose Town Centre on Saturday 27 May.
The $1.7 million redevelopment has connected the two existing buildings via a new foyer space and includes automatic doors at the front entrance, accessible toilet, family toilet and baby change facility, external access ramp to the stage in the hall and wider corridor leading to the main hall.
In addition to the existing car parks, the new centre also features two new accessible carparks at the front of the building, as well as a limited drop-off zone.
Artwork, including bells completed by artist Anton Hasell, is featured at the entrance to the building.
Deputy mayor Len Cox said the stunning redevelopment included a new outdoor community meeting space, which residents could access at all times.
“The Montrose Town Centre is now an indoor and outdoor space fully accessible with the added inclusion of disability parking at the site,” he said.
“There is greater functionality within the cultural space from improvements to stage access and support facilities which will enable greater utilisation by the whole community including socially isolated segments of the community.
“The community meeting space will function as a town square for Montrose.”
The development aligns with council’s strategy to consolidate services for efficiency and sustainability principles to deliver much-needed infrastructure in key areas of the municipality, instead of separate buildings performing individual functions.
The facility opened in May, and operations will ramp up over the 2017 winter to prepare for a flourishing performance program in the cultural space within 12 months.
The opening on 27 May included storytime at the library, belly dancing and community activity.
The ‘Songmakers’ performed at the Creative Hall the following day.
The facility was built by council, and is supported by the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
