Greater Dandenong: Latest council upgrades and developments
State-of-the-art pools, new community spaces and quirky laneways are all in the pipeline for Greater Dandenong. Check out the plans.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
There’s no shortage of exciting projects on the way for people living in Melbourne’s booming southeast.
People living in Greater Dandenong, one of Melbourne’s largest council areas with a population of about 152,050, are set to benefit from a number of new developments.
The City of Greater Dandenong Council has highlighted several areas in need of attention to keep up with the needs of the growing community.
From aquatic centre upgrades featuring state-of-the-art facilities, to brand-new community hubs which plan to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone, see what’s planned.
The Dandenong Wellness Centre
This planned aquatic and wellbeing centre will give the existing Dandenong Oasis a new lease on life with a primary focus on allied health, passive activity, education, fitness and wellness.
The current JC Mills Reserve complex on the corner of Cleeland St and Heatherton Rd is more than 40 years old and was found to no longer be meeting the needs of the community.
As part of the Greater Dandenong Aquatic Strategy the site was endorsed for an upgrade in 2019 and is set to be completed by late 2025.
The upgrades will feature a warm water pool, an eight-lane 50m pool, a gym and four group fitness rooms, a sports pavilion and external areas with an outdoor plaza and seating.
During the build, the existing centre will be operational and will only be decommissioned once the works are complete.
Dandenong New Art (DNA)
A new art space is expected to be open next year and will showcase art and culture in the heart of Dandenong.
The redevelopment of the former 1920s Masonic Hall at 5 Mason St will bolster the city’s growing artistic and expressive reputation by expanding on the Walker Street Gallery.
The gallery is set to include state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, community, creative and workshop spaces, cafe and retail shops and active outdoor spaces.
Construction commenced in August of 2020 and aims to preserve the historical aspects of the existing heritage building.
Vanity Lane
A project to create better pedestrian access to Dandenong’s busiest streets will lead people down memory lane, with local history decorating the laneway.
The Vanity Lane project plans to improve the connection between Lonsdale St and Thomas St which is only accessible through private businesses or arcades with limited operating hours.
Public art will narrate the history of this destination to create an added experience when wandering the path.
It will pay homage to the background of the 275 Lonsdale St address which includes notable families and individuals, Anzac commemoration and a botanical collection of state significance.
Lights will line the alley for 24 hour use and people counters, CCTV and Wi-Fi will also be installed.
Construction is planned to be completed in 2023.
Noble Park Aquatic Centre
Works are underway for the redevelopment of the Noble Park Aquatic Centre with stage one set to be complete later this year.
The project includes a two-storey redevelopment and extension of the existing centre and will include a gym, three group fitness rooms, amenities, an office and assessment area as well as a social space.
During the construction the existing outdoor and indoor pools will remain open but access to the southeast end of the building will be restricted.
Keysborough South Community Hub
After extensive community consultation, the City of Greater Dandenong Council announced Tatterson Park as the location for the Keysborough South Community Hub.
The space will include community meeting rooms, kindergarten and child care rooms, maternal and child health consulting sites, a community lounge, reception, kitchen and an outdoor community and play space.
Due to the recent population growth from 5,516 in 2012 to 11,838 in 2019, the Keysborough community was left with limited services — in particular early years' children’s services.
Construction is proposed to begin in late October while a completion date is yet to be determined.
Ross Reserve Pavilion
A new sports pavilion is expected to be completed in November this year which will bring a new life to the busy Ross Reserve.
The multipurpose area will feature various spaces and provide flexible options in response to the changing community.
Upon completion, the reserve will have a modern female and junior friendly facility, an extended oval and a shared pedestrian path.
Dandenong Community Hub
A multipurpose hub is on the cards and represents the next steps to develop infrastructure to meet current and future community needs in Dandenong.
Plans for the project are yet to be finalised, but it is expected to accommodate to a range of services for communities, group and organisations in the one spot.
The community consultation phase found the preferred site was the Stuart St, Clow st and Sleeth Ave location.
Feedback was sought from May until June in 2021 and also found people wanted a “warm and safe space” to meet with people and connect with other services in the community.
Services they desired would be provided included adult education, arts and craft, early years activities, small performance areas, exercise and outdoor seating.
The project's concept plan and business case are currently under review.
Detailed design and community consultation are expected to commence in the coming year with construction set to go ahead the following year.
WJ Crowe Pavilion redevelopment
A new multipurpose space will be finished in February of next year which will revitalise the sporting grounds at Thomas P Carroll Reserve.
The WJ Crowe Pavilion was knocked down to be rebuilt with brand new facilities including four change rooms, public toilets, storage, a new social and multipurpose room, a canteen and a timekeepers room.
Construction began in October last year and is on track for the early 2023 completion.
