Eighteen months on since the sod-turning, construction is progressing well at the Belgrave Community Hub site, in time for the expected completion by mid next year.
The partnership between Inspiro and council will provide essential community health services to the region and help respond to a high demand for allied health, family and children services and dental services.
The $9.73 million hub will provide purpose-built accommodation for visiting specialist services such as mental health, public dental services and services for people experiencing family violence.
The grounds surrounding the hub will be landscaped and include a natural play space, an outdoor plaza and public art.
Mayor Noel Cliff said services were very much needed in the Belgrave area and would complement the work of local GPs in the area.
“It’s wonderful to see works are progressing so nicely,” Cr Cliff said.
“Council’s Maternal and Child Health, Youth and Aged and Disability services, Inspiro services and the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relieve Service will be available at the hub.”
Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said the Belgrave Community Health Hub was set to do some great work for the community.
“I’m so glad the Federal Government could be involved in funding this project, and I look forward to seeing it up and running next year,” Mr Wood said.
Deputy Premier and Monbulk MP James Merlino said the community had strongly advocated for the project, and he was glad to see it coming to fruition.
“This is about putting some of our most important services together in one place, and that is why we have provided the funding we have,” Mr Merlino said.
Council has provided $1.5 million towards the multi-purpose hub in the 2017-’18 Budget.
Council is proud to have committed substantial funds of $3.8 million in total, together with Inspiro Community Health Service’s $250,000 commitment.
Inspiro is allowing council to use their land at 1622-1624 Burwood Highway for the carpark at no cost to council.
Inspiro will cover 50 per cent of the running costs of the facility, estimated to be around $120,000 per year.
Council secured funding including $3.8m through the Federal Government’s National Strong Regions Fund and $1.7m from the State Government, which includes $723,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund and $1 million from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
