Civic Precinct and Community Hub Redevelopment

Project typeRedevelopment
Project value$39 million
Project scheduleJanuary 2023 to end of 2024
Contractor nameIreland Brown Constructions

Council is undertaking a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that will see the historic Footscray Town Hall renovated and a new community park and civic administration building constructed.

Works will include the refurbishment and conservation of the 80-year old heritage listed Town Hall (in line with Heritage Victoria requirements), along with the demolition of the existing office and Community Wellbeing buildings, and construction of a new, modern six-star Green Star administration building and a new community park.

Demolition of the office buildings, earthworks, and structural works for the new building are now complete. Windows and mechanical services are currently being installed.

Demolition, structural footings, and roofing works are complete inside the Town Hall in line with Heritage Victoria approvals. Internal framing and service rough ins underway.

The build is being part funded by a $10 million dollar loan from the State Government’s Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, which provides access to low-interest subsidised loans.

This is a two-year project with works scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

Project scope

There are four main construction elements:

Demolition of existing buildings

The existing administration building (excluding heritage listed areas) and Community Wellbeing building has been demolished.

Construction of a 6-star green building

Green Star is an internationally recognised sustainability rating system that supports buildings to lower operating costs and improve the health and wellbeing of occupants.

Six Star accreditation represents ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices and is what we will be aiming for in the new civic administration building.

Refurbishment and conservation works

Refurbishment works are being carried out to the heritage listed Town Hall including:

Upgrades to internal finishes;
New electrical and mechanical systems;
Replacement of roof;
New public meeting spaces; and
External conservation works

All work undertaken meets Heritage Victoria's requirements and with their oversight.

Construction of the community park

Construction of the community park is expected to start in March 2024.

The new park will feature a large open lawn area for gatherings, picnics and community events and a smaller lawn for more intimate get-togethers for smaller groups.

A terraced rock boulder garden, incorporating a gathering circle, will celebrate country along with the use of indigenous plantings in the garden area.

The space will also include shade, seating, accessible paths, ramps, stairs, and feature walls for artwork.

Design

The final design strikes a balance between maintaining historical aspects and creating modern assets for future users. The forum space, which is the physical link between the old and the new, will include a new entry off Hyde Street connecting to the community meeting spaces and new community park. There will also be a second entrance off Napier Street.

See the artist’s impressions below. Click on an image to enlarge.

Town Hall Redevelopment - artist impression view from Hyde Street, Footscray

Where to find us during the redevelopment

Relocating from the Town Hall location

During the redevelopment, staff usually based at Town Hall are being relocated to various locations throughout the municipality. Find out more below.

Customer Service Centre

A Customer Service Centre has been established at Footscray Library, 56 Paisley Street, Footscray, where you can make in-person enquiries. The Centre is staffed from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

As always, Customer Service can also be reached by phoning 9688 0200 or by sending an email to email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Council Meetings

The Council Chamber has been relocated to the Main Hall at Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook, where official meetings – including the monthly Council Meeting, City Development Delegated Committee, Audit and Risk Committee and special meetings – are now being held.

Visit our meetings page for more information about Council Meetings.

Returning to the Town Hall location

Once the redevelopment works are complete, sometime towards the end of 2024, staff will move into the new administration building and the Council Chamber will be returned to the refurbished Footscray Town Hall.

Community engagement

The final design incorporates many of the elements the community has asked during a series of conversations during 2021 and 2022. This included three engagement phases:

Phase 1	August/September 2021	We started a conversation with our community to understand their expectations.
Phase 2	November 2021 to January 2022	We began sharing initial designs for community feedback.
Phase 3	March/April 2022	We shared the final designs with our community, and gathered additional comments.