Maroondah Council keen to revamp Karralyka Centre

A MAJOR $10 million upgrade of Ringwood’s Karralyka Centre tops Maroondah Council’s state election funding wishlist.

Maroondah Council wants to undertake a $10 million upgrade of Ringwood's Karralyka Centre. Picture: SUPPLIED.

A MAJOR $10 million upgrade of Ringwood’s Karralyka Centre tops Maroondah Council’s state election funding wishlist.

The council is keen to overhaul the centre, which opened in 1980, with a focus on improved disabled access and refreshed facilities in the centre’s 430-capacity theatre.

It also wants to build a new entrance and foyer, along with new function and video-conferencing rooms. A feasibility study completed by the council found the centre’s infrastructure was ageing and no longer met disability standards.

A feasibility study completed by the council found the centre’s infrastructure was ageing and no longer met disability standards. Picture: KIEL EGGING.

Design and construction of the project is a priority action in the council’s 2017-2021 plan, subject to funding.

Maroondah Leader understands the council is hoping to secure $5 million from either the state or federal level for the project — with November’s state election the first major opportunity to do so.

Cr Mike Symon is pushing for support in redeveloping the ‘ageing’ Karralyka Centre. Picture: Steve Tanner

Cr Mike Symon, who has the centre in his ward, told Maroondah Leader it was the number one project he’d like to see get support in the election.

“Karralyka already has a great offering, and it’s about making sure all sorts of people can go there, and it’s clean, modern and fit for the times and purposes as a venue,” he said.

In a statement, Maroondah Mayor Nora Lamont said the centre needed a major redevelopment “to ensure it can continue to meet the needs and expectations of the community into the future”.

She said the proposed upgrade would “enhance and expand the existing facility, providing both compliance and function upgrades.”

A spokeswoman for Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley, who declined to be named, said the State Government’s industry body

But Mr Foley said any formal proposal for a centre upgrade would be considered by the department.

Other priority advocacy projects for the council include a new business and jobs hub in Bayswater, new sporting pavilions at Proclamation Park and Ainslie Park, and upgrades along Croydon’s Dorset Rd and at Heathmont’s Canterbury Rd and Bedford Rd intersection.

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