The heritage-listed Collingwood Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall is set to be restored and will offer support services to a new generation of returned service people and veterans.

At its meeting on 13 November Yarra Council decided to progress with an EOI process to secure the future use of the council-owned building, which has been sitting vacant for more than 20 years. It had previously been operated by the Collingwood RSL.

“It’s poignant that we have found a way forward for the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, so close to Remembrance Day, and during the Centenary of the World War One Armistice,” said Yarra Mayor, Councillor Daniel Nguyen.

The decision comes following representations from the local RSL community, who highlighted that younger returned service people are often overlooked, and there is still a need for medical and mental health services.

Council will now hold an EOI process, seeking proposals from organisations, including the RSL, to restore the building for future use as a facility that provides services and assistance to returned services veterans. As part of the agreement, the building will also be made available to the wider community.

“The Soldiers and Sailors building has historically existed as a partnership between the RSL and Council – formerly City of Collingwood and now City of Yarra,” Cr. Nguyen said.

“We look forward to new life being breathed into this historic building, which has been sitting vacant for so long.”

“This will not only be of great benefit to veterans and returned service people, but to the wider community as well.”

The building, located at 152 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford, was officially opened in 1924 to commemorate the people of Collingwood who served in World War One.

It was designed by Collingwood Councillor B. W. Tapner, who was Mayor of Collingwood from 1917 to 1918, and had several sons who fought in the war.