Park Orchards Community House Feasibility Report

The Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre (POCH&LC) Feasibility Study is now complete.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time to help inform the study.

The study found that a new purpose-built centre is required to meet the needs of the POCH&LC and broader community.

During the study, targeted conversations were conducted with stakeholders along with background research leading to the acquisition of the site next to the current community house in November 2024.

The site will support the consolidation of key community services and infrastructure in a central Park Orchards location.

Image 1: Arial photo of development site and precinct

We’re now able to move to the planning and design phase of this important community project.

The house is proposed to be spread over 2 levels to allow for the topography of the site and associated planning controls, with multipurpose spaces including:

• office space
• shared amenities for staff
• general and accessible toilets
• small meeting room
• large program room
• interconnected multipurpose rooms
• shared community kitchen
• community lounge
• storage (rooms and cupboards)
• foyer, entry, lift, reception
• additional car parking
• external facing public toilet servicing Park Orchards Reserve.

We’ll undertake further investigations to determine whether the childcare service will remain in its existing location or be integrated into the new building.

What’s next?

We’ll start the design process over the next two financial years to develop a concept and a detailed design for the facility. This will involve site planning, including consideration of car parking and access requirements. We will continue to work with Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre staff and Board to inform the design of the internal and external spaces of the new facility to meet community need.

We’ll continue to update key stakeholders and community groups on the project.

Significant funding contributions by both state and federal governments are needed to deliver this important new facility and we’re advocating strongly on our community’s behalf.

We have signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of our planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

This is a priority action in our Community Infrastructure Plan, and discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house.

As neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants, additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

It is hoped that this significant investment by Council will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Read our news story for more details on this purchase.

We consulted with a range of stakeholders in determining the feasibility of a new community house, and further information will be provided in early 2025.

We have now completed our consultation with the services in and around Park Orchards Reserve. These sessions provided an opportunity to discuss the existing infrastructure, service provision, service requirements, and aspirations to meet future demand.

We will now take some time to compile consultations and engagement findings and develop a feasibility report.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and volunteers who gave us their time to help us better understand the fantastic work they do for the Park Orchards community.

We'll provide another update, either later this year or early next year, to inform you of the findings to date.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about this project, contact us on 9840 9333 or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.