Werribee’s fire-ravaged Kelly Park Centre will be converted into new public open space as part of plans to breathe new life into the site.
The centre, which was rendered unusable following a fire in June 2022, will be demolished in the coming months, pending permit approvals and Council appointing a contractor for the demolition.
The land will be turfed following the demolition to allow for community use while a landscape plan for the formal upgrade is prepared.
Wyndham City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Josh Gilligan, said given the significant out-of-pocket cost required to rebuild the centre and upgrade it to meet current building and safety standards, restoring the land to public open space would deliver the greatest community benefit relative to cost.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Kelly Park precinct and we are looking forward to developing a public open space the whole family can enjoy,” Cr Gilligan said.
“Public open spaces are essential for the wellbeing of a community – they provide opportunity for relaxation, recreation and socialising, and contribute to a neighbourhood's local character and sense of place.”
“Kelly Park is a much-loved space for community events, including Park Lounge, Summer in the Park, markets and festivals.”
“By creating more open space at this site Council can expand on these offerings and increase activation in line with the Werribee City Centre Structure Plan.”
“Any work to the site, which is heritage listed, will ensure that heritage values are protected and enhanced where possible in accordance with The Wyndham Planning Scheme.”
Former users of Kelly Park Centre will continue to be accommodated at alternative suitable facilities across Wyndham in 2024, and Council officers will work closely with these groups to ensure that they are settled at appropriate alternative venues from 2025 onwards.
Keep up to date with this project at: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/project/kelly-park-open-space-upgrade