By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE construction of a ground-breaking new community precinct in Endeavour Hills will begin as soon as next year, with the City of Casey formally endorsing the project last week.
Council has thrown their support behind the Endeavour Hills Community Precinct Masterplan, which will see a thorough renovation and redesign of the suburb’s civic precinct – including the YMCA, library, shopping centre and skate park.
Four Oaks councillor Rafal Kaplon said the construction of the precinct, which would now enter its final stage of planning, was expected to begin in late 2015.
“Hopes are this project will revitalise the area by offering additional facilities for public use and create a deeper sense of community by offering a plaza, coffee facilities, new terraced landscaping, multi-use event space, and a new skating area that doubles as an event space and amphitheatre,” he said.
While the initial stages of the project are expected to be completed within five years, Cr Kaplon said the more “visionary aspects” would be built within 10 or more years.
“There is no set cost at the moment, but it is expected the initial phase of the project (the first four-five years) could cost under $3 million, however the plan is extremely thought through and has an incorporated funding strategy, utilising current council resources and assets, so impacts on the budget should be minimal,” he said.
“It is important to note that costs will not be finalised until the public exhibition phase is concluded and detailed architectural designs are prepared.”
The masterplan was prepared following consultation with a community based Steering Group, which started mid-last year.
“Providing a community space has been a top priority of my term, and the project has progressed further than ever before,” Mr Kaplon said.
“A lot of thought, and work has been placed into the masterplan and support from residents during consultation has been phenomenal, showing how excited the community is about finally having a space to call its own.”
Local groups, businesses, landowners and key stakeholders will be contacted within the next few months in relation to the Endeavour Hills masterplan, as part of the council’s public consultation process.
