You are invited to share your thoughts and ideas about a draft concept location and design for the proposed West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House.
There is an online survey to complete at the bottom of this page but we encourage you to first read through the information below. The survey includes 14 questions and should only take about 20 minutes to complete.
Please complete this survey by Friday September 22, 2023.
Background information and concept plans
What is a Neighbourhood House?
Neighbourhood houses bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community. They are inclusive, community-based organisations that welcome people of all ages, abilities, genders, social and economic status. Neighbourhood houses have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of people and can assist in combating social isolation and loneliness. They often work in partnerships with other local service providers, small businesses and community groups to offer a range of social, educational, recreational and support programs and activities to meet local community needs.
What is the proposed location and why?
After a thorough examination of potential sites, it is proposed to locate the WWNH within Pecten Avenue Park in West Warrnambool, as shown on the plan below.
This site is preferred because of its location in the heart of West Warrnambool, while the existing playground and available car parking will enhance the Neighbourhood House offering. The House will significantly activate the park and contribute to open space linkages including with the future Platypus Park upgrades. The land is owned by Council and is connected to the required utility services.
What is the building size and floor plan? What can be changed?
Warrnambool-based Owen Built Homes, in partnership with building designers MERRI designs, have prepared concept plans for the proposed Neighbourhood House, a dedicated, transportable structure with accessible timber decking and ramp.
The proposed size, including verandah, is 11.6m x 15.4m, or about 179sqm.
As the proposed Neighbourhood House will be a pre-fabricated building, there is limited opportunity to alter some of the components of the plan that is shown below:
The internal elements of the building are designed to be most efficient and effective for a community space. Within limitations, there is scope to alter some of the internal design as well as external elements such as building materials, colours and the landscape plan can be changed.
Digital art work of the building is below.
Why does the West Warrnambool neighbourhood House need a home?
Warrnambool City Council operates the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House (WWNH). Now in its fifth year, WWNH has successfully engaged many families and individuals from the local area, including people living south of the highway, Merrivale and Dennington. The WWNH has never had a permanent base and currently offers services at a range of locations including the Archie Graham Community Centre. The lack of a dedicated premises makes operating the WWNH difficult and reduces its capacity to provide programs and services to support the local community.
What potential locations have been considered?
Council has been through a thorough process of identifying possible sites for the WWNH. The sites investigated and the assessments are available to read here.
We are keen to get your feedback on the proposal - please complete the survey below.