Council will engage with the community over a plan to build a new West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House in the recently upgraded Pecten Avenue Park.
When first established in 2019 the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House (WWNH) operated from the Beamish Street Kindergarten.
Over time as the demands on the kindergarten and WWNH increased, that location became unsuitable and other options were explored.
“Without other suitable land to lease or services with which to co-locate Council is considering the possibility of using a portion of the Pecten Avenue Park for a fully accessible, semi-permanent Neighbourhood House,” Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
“We believe this will be a convenient location and will further activate the park.
“But before we proceed we need to understand the community’s needs and their views on siting the Neighbourhood House in Pecten Avenue.
“Ultimately, should the project proceed, Council would seek to have the Neighbourhood House funded by the Victorian Government and become independent of Council with its own committee of management.
“This would be more in line with the way Neighbourhood Houses operate nationally.
“We know that there is a great need for the services provided by the WWNH and we’ve received some strong testimonials in support of the services it provides.”
The decision last night by Council means there will be an in-depth community consultation over the design and site of a new West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House.
Council also committed to building a new Neighbourhood House in Pecten Avenue Park provided it receives community endorsement.