Cade Lucas
Following two years of renovation and construction works, Maribyrnong’s new Civic Precinct and Community Hub was officially opened to the public at the weekend.
Featuring a restored Footscray Town Hall and new civic building and community garden situated on the corner of Napier and Hyde streets, the precinct was officially opened on Sunday, February 9 with a ceremony attended by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, Maribyrnong councillors, local residents and traders.
The ceremony featured a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, the official plaque unveiling and live music from the Footscray Yarraville City Band and the Regent String Quartet.
Maribyrnong council’s art collection, comprising a diverse array of work documenting the municipality’s culture, history, environment, and people, was also put back on display for the opening.
Maribyrong mayor, Pradeep Tiwari, said the new precinct was a modern, environmentally friendly space representing leadership in sustainable design while also paying homage to the rich history of the site and the wider council area.
“The revitalisation of our beloved historic town hall marks an exciting milestone in our council’s history, reflecting our dedication to preserving heritage while investing in resources that will benefit our community for years to come,” Cr Tiwari said.
Featuring a new community park with contributions from First Nations artists, it’s hoped the revitalised precinct will foster civic and community connection, while also future proofing the site for future generations.
“By linking our civic building with the iconic town hall and creating a community park onsite that welcomes council and residents alike, we strengthen this bond and reinforce our belief that we are stronger when we come together, supporting one another to achieve our shared goal to exist in a vibrant and thriving community,” Cr Tiwari said.
Funded in part by a $10 million dollar loan from the state government’s community infrastructure scheme, Maribyrnong’s civic precinct is the first civic building in Victoria to achieve a six-star Green Star accredited rating thanks to features such as a roof mounted solar system and a rainwater tank that provides water for toilets and the irrigation of the community park.
Construction work was completed last year and council meetings and council services returned to the site by early December.
