Options open for civic centres

– Shaun Inguanzo
RATEPAYERS will fork out up to $70 million under Greater Dandenong Council’s plans to build two new civic centres.
The figure was revealed in a brief to council on Monday that outlined the council’s preferred options for either rebuilding or refurbishing Springvale’s municipal buildings.
The document also included options for building a multi-storey office and council chamber in Dandenong’s Walker Street, to replace the Clow Street equivalents.
Ratepayers would fork out $70 million of the $97 million required with a funding gap of $27.1 million expected to be picked up by the State Government.
Greater Dandenong Council corporate services director Ross Hepburn told councillors at Monday’s meeting that the brief was “putting on record” the options that had been widely reported in local newspapers.
He said the formal brief would allow the council to submit a business case to the Minister for Major Projects and to begin lobbying for the extra funds.
On 1 September Star reported Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan’s comments that the brief would contain two options for Springvale’s current council, town hall and library precinct off Springvale Road.
“One of which will be refurbishing and retaining all existing buildings on Springvale Road, the other option is building a new library and entertainment facility and a new car park in central Springvale,” he said.
The brief is in line with Cr Donovan’s comments and reveals the option for a new centre would be located in Warwick Avenue and cost $27.1 million.
Retaining and refurbishing the Springvale Road site would cost $21 million.
The Dandenong multistorey site would cost $70 million.
Mr Hepburn said the brief was now open for public consultation.
A report on the consultation is due to be given to the council in December.