Broachbeach community hub project gets $8.3m on Gold Coast

More than $8.3 million will be spent developing a community hub near one of the Gold Coast’s busiest shopping centres.

MORE than $8.3 million will be spent developing a community hub near one of the Gold Coast’s busiest shopping centres.

A revamp of the ageing Albert Waterways Community Centre near Pacific Fair will be at the heart of the project, which will be announced as part of next month’s council budget.

To be known as the Broadbeach community precinct, the project will involve an upgrade of both the performance space and nearby Life Education Centre buildings.

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The Albert Waterways Community Centre holds lots of interesting and varying events. Photo by Richard Gosling

Mayor Tom Tate said the tired infrastructure would get a new lease of life.

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“This is more than just a refurbishment of an old building, but the reimagining of a community space which also incorporates the Life Education centre upgrades and the creation of space for use by community groups.

“This expansion will provide essential access to services and a diverse range of social, cultural health, fitness and educational activities for families, young people and seniors.

It also hosts community forums. Photo Paul Weston

“It will be integral to the overall fabric of the local community.”

Design works have been underway for more than a year.

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More than $2.5 million will be committed to the project in the next financial year, with the remaining money to come in 2020-21 when the works will be completed.

The new precinct will see:

• The expansion of the Albert Waterways hall to include a number of meeting rooms and spaces for hire, rehearsal rooms, an improved foyer and new toilet facilities

• The Life Education Centre will get refurbished office spaces as well as new offices which will be available for lease to not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

The Albert Waterways Hall was built in 1983 and has been used heavily by community events such as pet and orchid shows, as well as a performance venue for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and the Wiggles.

The budget will be brought down in late June.