Ratepayers asked to help name new $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub

Salisbury ratepayers have been asked to help name the city’s new $43.8 million community hub as planning starts for its official opening later this year.

The $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub is expected to be officially opened in November. Picture: Salisbury Council

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Salisbury Council’s new $43.8 million community hub will open later this year.

Council has sought public feedback on five potential names for the hub, which is rapidly taking shape in the town’s centre on James St, next to the cemetery.

The official opening of a four-storey structure and refurbished plaza is tentatively scheduled for later this year, providing there are no unforeseen delays with construction and fit-out.

A preliminary program has been prepared by council staff, who suggested the community help choose the name for the hub from Salisbury Plaza, John St Plaza, Hub Plaza, Civic Plaza or Salisbury Community Hub.

The $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub is expected to be officially opened in November. Picture: Salisbury Council

The hub will incorporate new council chambers, a library, administration centre, gallery, meeting areas, cafe and a plaza with a large TV. It is the biggest capital project by a metropolitan Adelaide council in recent years.

Under a proposed opening schedule presented to Salisbury Council elected members, the hub will be officially opened on Saturday, November 30, as part of a month-long program of activities.

Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge — a key proponent of the project — is likely to host a cocktail party the previous night instead of her traditional Christmas breakfast.

Council staff are hoping the opening the following day will coincide with the annual Christmas pageant and markets organised by the Salisbury Business Association.

The $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub is expected to be officially opened in November. Picture: Salisbury Council

Various religious dominations will be asked to conduct a multi-faith blessing of the building before a time capsule is buried for opening in 2030.

This will be followed by an afternoon of live music, street performers, childrens’ activities, art displays and tours of the hub’s facilities.

A large digital screen to be installed in a new plaza will be used on the Saturday night for a family movie, with the night ending with a laser light show.

The activities on Sunday, November 31, will centre on multicultural food and entertainment from members of Salisbury’s Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Cambodian, Italian, Greek, Irish, Filipino and Mexican communities.

Apart from the opening weekend, schools will separately be invited to tour the hub and participate in mock council meetings in its new civic chambers.

Heritage tours around Salisbury, including the historic cemetery next to the hub, will be held in the week before the official opening, with material collected during the tours for the time capsule.