4 September 2020
Griffith City Council is preparing to turn the soil at the site of the new $4.5M Griffith Community Centre project, marking a significant moment for the region.
The construction of the new Community Centre is fully funded with the NSW Government funding $3.65M and Griffith City Council and Country Universities Centre - Western Riverina each contributing $440K, following years of lobbying by Griffith City Council and Griffith Community Centre Inc.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said the new state of the art building will replace the existing building, known as Neighbourhood House, in Benerembah Street.
"The new Community Centre will be constructed along Olympic Street - right in the heart of Griffith and within walking distance to many services," said Councillor Dal Broi.
"Council has worked very closely with staff from the Community Centre to create a building which is not only functional, but is sustainable and will cater to the growing needs of our community."
The Community Centre will act as a centralised 'one stop shop' for members of the Griffith community and will include community services, resources, and house the expanding Country Universities Centre - Western Riverina.
"Griffith has long needed a facility in which a range of community services could be offered, and the project team have delivered a design which will ensure these services can be delivered," said Councillor Dal Broi.
"This includes clothing, food bank, counselling services, information resources, IT and printing facilities, after hours comfort rooms, shower and laundry facilities for the homeless, and state of the art change rooms for those with disabilities."
"The Community Centre will have 12 offices which can be leased by community service providers, as well as a large conference room which can be hired for events or meetings - truly making this a one stop shop," he added.
Griffith City Council General Manager, Mr Brett Stonestreet said this project will make a substantial difference to members of the community.
"Council has long supported the construction of a new community centre and we are pleased to be involved in being able to provide this facility," said Mr Stonestreet.
"Griffith City Council has approved the Development Application, and contracted Hines Constructions to complete the project. It is anticipated that Hines Constructions will take control of the site over the coming days, with construction to commence as soon as possible."
"We anticipate the project to be finalised by the end of May 2021, ready for occupation by local services and the Country Universities Centre - Western Riverina," he added.
