Community centre at Victoria Park's Social Club building

In May 2011, Council resolved to lease the Social Club building at Victoria Park to the Collingwood Football Club Foundation.

Opening up the Social Club building for community use is in keeping with the aims of the separate $7.2 million redevelopment of Victoria Park. Funded by the Australian Government and Council, that project is transforming Victoria Park into a major community recreation space. Here is more information about the redevelopment, which will be completed by late 2011.

Under the approved lease agreement, the Collingwood Foundation Club Foundation (CFCF) will establish a community hub, and sub-lease part of the building to the:

Collingwood Toy Library
Merri District Girl Guides
AFL Sportsready (a not-for-profit employment and training service for young people), and
Evolve (a national not-for-profit organisation, delivering early intervention programs for disadvantaged youth).

The Foundation may also negotiate sub-leases with other community organisations, with those arrangements subject to Council approval. At its monthly meeting in October 2011, Council gave the CFCF permission to sub-lease part of the former Social Club building at Victoria Park to Headspace. Funded by the Australian Government, Headspace has centres around Australia that provide early intervention support to young people aged 12-25 who are going through a tough time. Headspace intends to sign a three-year sub-lease with the CFCF to operate from level one of the former Social Club building. More information about Headspace's services is available on the organisations's website.

There is also expected to be a community meeting space provided, which will be available for booking by local residents and other community members.

Under the lease, the CFCF will contribute at least $1 million (plus GST) for works to improve the Social Club building, and pay $110,000 (plus GST) in annual rental. The lease is for an initial five years, with options to extend it by an additional two five-year terms. The lease began in late October 2011 after Council granted a planning permit for the use of the building as a community centre. Council did not receive any objections from community members to the CFCF's planning permit application.

Earlier in 2011, Council issued a 12-month permit which allows AFL Sportsready to use the third floor of the building. That organisation was ready to begin using the building so a short-term permit was applied for ahead of the permit for the overall use of the building. The short-term permit, which was advertised to nearby properties, allows the third floor to be used for office purposes from 7am-7pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday.

Further information
Karen Hayes
Coordinator - Council Property
9205 5711
Karen.Hayes@yarracity.vic.gov.au