Tom Ingleton
Wollert residents are one step closer to accessing vital community services, with construction officially underway on the new West Wollert Community Centre.
A sod-turning ceremony was held on April 4 at the Jardin Road site, marking the start of works on the $16.2 million project.
Once completed, the centre will offer a range of services and facilities aimed at supporting the rapidly growing local population.
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon said the centre will play a key role in supporting residents of all ages.
“The West Wollert Community Centre will help to improve the health and well-being outcomes for residents at all stages of their lives,” Cr McLindon said.
Wollert’s population is forecast to exceed 33,000 by 2041, and the need for infrastructure to support families is increasing, council said.
The centre will include a three-room kindergarten providing 198 new places, two maternal and child health consulting rooms, a mini-branch library, a community hall, kitchen, lounge, activity room and a community garden.
Accessibility will be a major focus, with a changing places facility to support people with high care needs.
“Wollert’s population has grown–and will continue to grow–rapidly, making infrastructure like this community centre vital to meeting the needs and expectations of residents,” Cr McLindon said.
“Whittlesea council is committed to ensuring our growth suburbs have access to essential community services and we thank the state government for its support on this project.”
The project is jointly funded by Whittlesea council, which has committed $7.7 million, and the state government, contributing $6.75 million from its Building Blocks Fund and $1.5 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Melbourne Water is also providing $168,663 to help integrate permeable paving in the car park.
The West Wollert Community Centre is expected to be completed in early 2027.
