Construction has started on the long-awaited $22 million Keysborough South Community Hub.
The sod was officially turned on the project at Chapel and Villiers roads on Thursday 25 May.
It will be home to a kindergarten, long day care, maternal and child health service, library lounge, community spaces with a commercial kitchen and a playground, basketball ring and amphitheatre.
Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster said the day marked a “huge achievement” after seven years of “extensive community consultation” between 2015-’21.
Further public consultation is to come on the hub’s draft strategic plan.
“Our community has been patient as we have worked towards this outcome, and I can’t wait to see it become a much-valued place for all,” Cr Foster said.
“The Hub will be a true asset for our community, a landmark facility with welcoming and flexible spaces that will serve this community for many years to come.”
Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad said it was a “great day” for a “community who has fought tirelessly for eight years to see this project realised”.
The suburb has trebled in population since 2009 – with 15,093 recorded in the 2021 Census.
It has led to a significant demand for community services, particularly for early childhood, according to the council.
The State Government contributed $4 million to the hub, which will offer 123 kindergarten places. This includes kindergarten for 3-to-5-year-olds and childcare for 0-to-3-year-olds.
“We’re backing local families with the first-class facilities they want and need, while ensuring the littlest Victorians get every opportunity for the best start to life,” Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt said.
“Our nation leading early childhood reforms are giving more Victorian children a better start, while putting more money into the pockets of hard-working families and encouraging new parents back into the workforce.”
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said the hub would meet the demand for community services, activities and programs for the rapidly-growing suburb.
Melbcon Pty Ltd won the contract to build the hub. Works are expected to finish by December 2024.
