Plans have been lodged for a new multi-purpose centre in Windale, featuring a high-tech library, community hall and spaces for the community to connect, learn and create.
Lake Macquarie City Council has lodged plans for the new multi-million dollar community hub, to be built on the site of the existing community hall. It will be funded by development contributions and proceeds from the sale of council land at Bennetts Green.
The building design features a range of adaptable spaces, including a large community hall; an activity room for gatherings, functions and 'maker-space' activities; smaller meetings rooms that are sound-proofed to enable use as a recording studio and several office spaces.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Windale had been identified as a growth suburb in council's strategic plans for the city and the centre would "create a centrepiece for a rapidly changing suburb".
"This project will continue the role of the existing library and community hall as key meeting places and activity centres in Windale, ensuring we continue to provide valuable services for local residents," Cr Fraser said.
The project was identified in the Charlestown Development Contributions Catchment Plan and council said it had engaged with the Windale community over the past three years about its needs and expectations for the project.
Council's community partnerships manager Andrew Bryant said one of the key themes identified was the need for a welcome space for the community to come together and feel at home.
"The open-plan design, flexible social spaces and library functions woven throughout the building aim to create the feeling of a welcoming, safe community loungeroom," Mr Bryant said.
"The community also wanted the building to be adaptable to provide a wide range of services, allowing social activities to take place alongside spaces for learning, wellbeing and personal achievements."
Pending approvals, construction is expected to commence in mid-2021.
