By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
DEPUTY Premier and MP for Monbulk James Merlino visited the work site of the new Montrose Town Centre with Yarra Ranges Councillor Len Cox to turn the first sod of the new build.
The turning of the sod marks the official beginning of construction of the new building that will see the existing town centre and maternal health centre combined into a single multi-use building.
The project will see additional rooms added to the maternal and child health services centre and upgraded facilities community centre and library with a new atrium joining them.
Landscaping is also included in the works to be completed, with the improved open space providing additional opportunities to support for community events and activities.
The new centre is being jointly funded by Yarra Ranges Council and the State Government through the ‘Growing Suburbs Fund”, formally “Interface” funding.
With a total cost of $1.75 million, Cr Cox said it was worth it for the community would have all the services they needed in one place.
“It is wonderful that this redevelopment means our community will have access to services that meet the needs of the region in a single, centralised location,” he said.
“Council greatly appreciates the contribution made from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
“This fund is meeting a demonstrated need for community infrastructure redevelopment in outer suburban Melbourne.”