Facelift for community

– Lia Bichel
AN OLD sports building at Springvale Reserve had a major facelift to better cater for the community.
The redevelopment of the Springvale Reserve Community facility, near the heritage-listed grandstand and home team change-rooms complex, cost more than $950,000.
Community groups were involved with planning process through consultations with the council.
It is now a modern multi-purpose facility boasting environmentally friendly features, improved accessibility, a main function and meeting area, a semi-commercial kitchen, meeting rooms for groups with storage areas and toilets.
Mayor Jim Memeti said the renovation and refurbishment extends the community legacy of the building which started out as the Springvale Recreation Club social facility almost 30 years ago.
“What we have today is this beautiful multi purpose community facility, which provides a welcoming, safe, high quality environment for all social and cultural groups,” he said.
Community Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the new centre would provide modern multipurpose facilities for many years.
“This facility maximises the opportunities for local people to come together to develop new skills, make new friends and get involved in community activities,” she said.
Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus, who opened the facility with Ms D’Ambrosio and Cr Memeti, said investment in infrastructure was important to growing communities, and the improved facility met the growing demands of a number of community groups in the area.
“As well as benefiting the local footy club, it provides space for a whole range of groups and it is a convenient size,” he said.
“Greater Dandenong is home to many community groups, including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups that are looking for spaces to meet.”
The redevelopment was funded by both the local council in partnership with both the state and federal governments.
The facility is now available for booking, which can be made by contacting the council on 9239 5100.