Published on 13 December 2024
Southern Grampians Shire Council awarded the demolition contract of 90-92 Lonsdale Street for the Community Hub at last night’s ordinary Council meeting.
Murrihy Demolitions Pty Ltd, a Warrnambool based Contractor, was identified as the successful tenderer with project scope to include the demolition of the existing buildings and site preparation for the Community Hub which is set to house an expanded library, digital hub and office space.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the removal of these buildings will allow the highly anticipated Community Hub to progress.
“It’s fantastic to have the contract for demolition and remediation works for the site now awarded, which allows us to continue with the development of this exciting new community facility,” said Cr Heslin.
“The site will be completely cleared, levelled and made safe for short-term activation options while Council continues to progress designs and planning for the new Community Hub.
“We know our library is extremely well used - our usage is 35% higher than the State average. However they have well and truly outgrown their current footprint. Weekly literacy programs and school holidays activities are all at capacity and there is limited space for digital resources and meeting rooms and community gathering. Giving our community an expanded facility for this much-loved and utilised resource, is really important.
“The Community Hub will also provide our youth and those with limited digital access, the opportunity and space to further their education, connectivity and skills which will have a positive impact on the future of many residents,” said Cr Heslin.
“Council will provide more information and opportunities to be a part of the project in the new year,” concluded Cr Heslin.
Part of the awarded contract is the safe removal of asbestos which is currently located within the buildings and will be removed as per strict regulations and the overall safety of surrounding properties.
The area will be secured as a marked construction site and will be monitored to minimise safety risks with neighbouring properties to be kept informed on disruptions. The demolition will include waste management and disposal processes to ensure the compliance of asbestos and associated materials.
Options for short-term uses and activation of the site are currently being developed for Councils consideration.
Works will commence in late January and are expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.
-Ends-