The Pasadena Community Centre is set to be upgraded and opened to the public for extended hours including the weekend and some evenings.
At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 22 August, Councillors endorsed an operating model for the Centre under which opening hours will increase to 54 hours per week across six days, including evenings on four weekdays and during both days of the weekend.
Council will proceed with a design concept that retains the character features of the 1960s building while refurbishing the space to allow for a range of community activities.
Under the concept, the roof structure will be raised to provide better ventilation, light and cooling and the building opened up to the rear garden to better connect the space to outside areas.
Pergolas, canopies or verandahs will provide shade and connect to the new extensions and outdoor areas. The kitchen will be upgraded to serve the main hall space as well as an outdoor community café, and an extension would include additional toilets.
The upgrade is also set to include a keyless door entry system, heating of the main hall, additional kitchenette, extension to activity room, toy library and provision for alternative accommodation during construction.
The project will be funded by a $3.123 million commitment from Council, supported by $500,000 funded by the Government of South Australia on behalf of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and $300,000 from a Federal Government Election pledge.
“This is a win for the community who have embraced this centre, the first of its kind for our western suburbs residents,” Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said. “We look forward to creating a space that is fit for purpose and that paves the way for the activation of other community centres in Mitcham.”