Carlton community centre closes for $10.4 million makeover

Carlton Baths and Family Resource Centre's doors closed yesterday (Wednesday) to allow the $10.4 million redevelopment of the centre to get underway.

Acting Lord Mayor of Melbourne Susan Riley said the centre's redevelopment was part of Council's record spend on capital work projects of $107.3 million, stating "coupled with our recent purchase of the Kathleen Syme Centre for $4.88 million this redevelopment represents over $15 million spent on building infrastructure in Carlton alone.

"Community centres are the civic hearts of our communities and I'm pleased that this Council will deliver a revitalised state of the art centre which will serve the community of Carlton well into the future.

"With the redevelopment works to start soon, I'd like to thank all of the members of the centre for their cooperation and ongoing patience during the 12 month long redevelopment.

"When these doors open again in a year, the Carlton community will have a much better facility, with much better use of the available space and a far more modern and efficient building."

Future Melbourne Committee Chair (People and Creative City) Councillor Jennifer Kanis said vital community services will continue to be provided at temporary alternative sites in Carlton.

Councillor Kanis added "our Family Services, such as maternal and child health, playgroup, baby capsule and bus hire or any other family support services will temporarily be located at the Kathleen Syme Centre in Faraday Street Carlton, during the redevelopment period.

"The central location of the Kathleen Syme Centre made it the ideal temporary site to relocate our Family Services during the redevelopment. The longer term use for the Kathleen Syme Centre building will be determined in the next 12 months through community consultation.

"Members of the Carlton Baths affected by the closure will also be able to access a range of reciprocal services to stay active during the redevelopment and can contact the Carlton Baths to find out what is available for them."

The redevelopment of the Carlton Baths will deliver the following improvements:

• Improved insulation, double glazing, rainwater collection, solar hot water, low energy fittings, passive ventilation, and energy efficient pool plant and systems;
• New, purpose built health club featuring a larger group fitness room and gym facility;
• A refurbished stadium with improved change rooms;
• Increased and improved access to family services including maternal and child health consulting capacity and playgroup area including parents' room;
• New centralised reception, kiosk and seating in the foyer;
• A new landscaped environment;
• Upgraded plant and equipment providing industry best standard equipment.

For more information go to www.carltonbaths.ymca.org.au

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