New Community Hub for Wakefield
Plans are progressing for a new community hub for Wakefield, but a few decisions need to be made before we start the design process.
The hub will provide a new indoor multi-use community facility which will replace the aging, earthquake prone Wakefield Community Hall.
The aging Wakefield Hall
How much will it cost?
The budget is around $11 million, with $6.4m coming from Reserve Financial Contributions, community co-funding of $2.5m, and the remaining $2.1m from rates.
What could it feature?
Intentions at this stage include community facilities like room for indoor ball sports in a multi-functional space, as well as a kitchen, meeting rooms, toilets and changing rooms, however the design stage is still further down the track.
Decisions to be made - which site is preferred?
The first decision is where will it be sited? There are two options, each with its own pros and cons.
Potential site option one
The first suggested site is Clifford Road, near the tennis courts and adjacent to the recreation grounds.
Pros and cons
On the plus side, this is within a very large area with plenty of scope for future development, though it has some areas which are potentially flood prone, and the access would ideally be from the State Highway.
Click images to enlarge
Potential site option two
Site two is 52 Edward Street, next to Wakefield School. Owners of the property have approached us to discuss future development opportunities.
Pros and cons
The positives with this site are that it is centrally located in the village and has access to Faulkner Bush Reserve, and the recently upgraded playground at the rear. But the site is smaller than option one, though it will allow for some future development.
Click images to enlarge
What does a 1223m2 building look like in terms of scale?
The Wakefield Village Hall is 466m2. The proposed building is more than two and a half times the size of the existing Wakefield Village Hall. To give a better idea we've created some images to show what the building's footprint could look like on each site.
Click the images to enlarge
Another perspective
To give you a better perspective we've created a picture of what the footprint of the main building at the Moutere Hills Community Centre would look like overlayed on the proposed Wakefield Community Hub's option two floor area.
Click on the images to enlarge
How can you help?
We would like to hear which site you prefer and why by filling out an online post-it note below.
This feedback, along with other analyses, will feed into the final report for Elected Members to inform their decision-making.
Tell which site you prefer and why?
Choose from site one or two and provide a brief reason if you wish. (max 140 characters).
18 July, 2025
Waist deep says:
What will TDC do with the perfectly functional existing hall? Success is about the organizer not the building, big bake up runs just fine?
18 July, 2025
Bobby says:
Why only 140 characters? Does council want to hear people’s opinion or not? Spending based on less than 100 reactions This is absurd.
17 July, 2025
ALeisha says:
Option 2 - This would enable more safter use for the community especially the school. Not having to cross a state highway to access the site
17 July, 2025
Vianzy says:
Option 1 but will need to look at flooding after this latest event that saw this ground covered with water
16 July, 2025
Waist deep says:
4000+ residents, 1300+ ratepayers, 61 people get to spend $11M+ in a flood zone. Rates not high enough? Spend $11M in rivers to stop floods.
14 July, 2025
Lorna says:
Edward Street property is best. To demolish existing buldings is an obscence waste of money. Use what we have. The rates are high enough!
14 July, 2025
Andy says:
Based on the recent weather event and flooding it makes very clear
that the Edward Street property is much more suitable
14 July, 2025
Lorna says:
I am very suprised that only 81 people have voted and that the result is going to be based on such a small number
12 July, 2025
Jana says:
I prefer option 2 considering the recent flooding. I also like that it's in the middle of village, more Wakefield like.
11 July, 2025
Neil k says:
Site 2 is restricted in shape and size brings extra traffic into the village no room for expansion with village .I strongly support option 1
10 July, 2025
Anna says:
Site 1 preferred; already paid for, site 2 needs to be bought, buildings demolished and was under water in recent rain event
10 July, 2025
Anonymous says:
Site 1 will provide for expansion in future years, next to the new sports fields. Strategic development begun ten years ago.