An elected Victorian Liberal and Nationals government will provide up to $12 million to build a multi-purpose indoor hall and performing arts space at St Kilda Primary School.
The desperately needed facility will serve as a vital community hub for sport, performing arts, cultural events and recreation programs.
It will address a critical infrastructure gap in on of Victoria's most densely populated areas, where approximately 50,000 residents have access to just two indoor facilities.
Member for Prahran Rachel Westaway made the commitment in recognition of the school's proud history and to secure its future.
"St Kilda Primary School is celebrating 150 years of serving our community this year, making this announcement particularly significant," Ms Westaway said.
"This will be a genuine community asset, serving not just the school students but tens of thousands of residents living in apartments with minimal outdoor or recreational space.
"From school assemblies and dance classes to community theatre productions, sporting competitions and cultural celebrations, this facility will provide a home for the diverse activities our community desperately needs.
"St Kilda Primary School serves children from across four electorates, many from lower socio-economic backgrounds who cannot access private facilities.
"Victoria needs a fresh start, and a Liberal and Nationals government will deliver a vital sport, arts and community hub with accessible facilities for all abilities in an area with the lowest indoor community space per capita in Victoria."
Shadow Minister for Education Evan Mulholland said the commitment addressed years of Labor's broken promises to both students and the community.
"Between 2018 and 2020, St Kilda Primary received $10 million for new buildings. Despite 13 design versions including a gymnasium, Labor's Victorian School Building Authority delivered teaching spaces only and removed the planned indoor facility. Meanwhile, comparable schools across Victoria received funding for halls and gyms under Labor," Mr Mulholland said.
"Labor has had years to deliver this essential community infrastructure but they have done nothing. A Liberal Nationals Government will deliver what Labor won't, benefiting students, families and the broader community."
Member for Caulfield David Southwick, and long-term advocate for the project, emphasised the critical importance of the facility for youth and community wellbeing.
"This is about providing young people and families with a safe, accessible space for sport, performing arts, recreation and social connection, particularly in an area that is already short of these facilities," Mr Southwick said.
"This facility will serve as a genuine community hub for the 50,000 residents in the surrounding area who currently have nowhere to gather for indoor activities.
"From youth basketball competitions to school concerts, from community fitness programs to cultural performances, this space will bring our community together. After years of Labor neglect, Victoria needs a fresh start."
Member for Brighton James Newbury said students with disabilities and community members of all abilities would benefit.
"Currently, children funded under disability programs cannot access outdoor areas in wet weather, and therapy services occur in the same space as PE classes," Mr Newbury said.
"A Liberal and Nationals government will ensure every student, regardless of ability, can fully participate in school life. The facility will also provide accessible community space for programs serving people of all abilities."
Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Georgie Crozier said the commitment demonstrated the Liberal and Nationals understood the community.
"In the most densely populated area of Victoria, where residents live predominantly in apartments with minimal outdoor space, this facility will serve as a crucial community asset," Ms Crozier said.
"Whether it's a school production, a local dance troupe, weekend sporting competitions or community meetings, this space will provide opportunities that simply do not exist today.
"Labor talks about community infrastructure but delivers nothing. Victoria needs a fresh start, and a Liberal Nationals Government will deliver real facilities for real communities."
Final funding levels will be dependent on federal government contributions.
