Geelong Legacy club to develop former ambulance station in $500,000 works

An almost 100-year-old Geelong charity is preparing to move into a new clubhouse, with a former ambulance station earmarked for an overhaul to welcome the much-loved group.

An almost 100-year-old Geelong charity is preparing to move into a new clubhouse, with a former ambulance station on Kilgour St earmarked for an overhaul to welcome the much-loved group.

The Geelong Legacy Club, established in 1924, has lodged a planning application with the City of Greater Geelong to use the former station at the corner of Kilgour and Carr Streets in Geelong as its new base, including $500,000 worth of works on the existing building.

The former ambulance station at 36 Kilgour Street, Geelong, has attracted interest from residential and commercial buyers.

Planning documents revealed the club was hoping to “downsize” from its existing premises on Ryrie St to the existing Ambulance Victoria-owned building – which currently has four offices, a reception area, two storage areas and a kitchen

“The proposal would retain the majority of the existing fit-out of the dwelling with small renovations to the kitchen, but demolish the existing garage to build a new multipurpose hall,” the application noted.

The former ambulance station poised to be transformed into Legacy Geelong's new clubrooms. Picture: Google

“The vacant land on the east of the block would be developed for a new bitumen access way and carparking.”

The proposed clubhouse is intended to be used by Geelong Legacy members and volunteers to “facilitate meetings and host social support events” from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

The Geelong Legacy Club is a registered charity which provides assistance to widows and dependants of deceased and incapacitated ex-service men and women in the Geelong region – including the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Golden Plains.

The club does not yet own the site and is investigating the property as a future location.

Geelong Legacy secretary John Delia, left, and past president Michael Gibbons. Picture: Alison Wynd

“A member club of Legacy Australia Incorporated, the organisation provides support for veteran’s families by assisting with government entitlements, facilitating support services, providing assistance for children’s education and recreational activity expenses and social support services,” the application noted.

“Geelong Legacy undertake at-home visits and in-home childminding services.

“There are currently 673 beneficiaries of Geelong Legacy, including 13 disabled adults and 13 school aged or tertiary aged children. Geelong Legacy has 47 active volunteers.”

The planning application will be open for public comment until April 20.

Originally published as Geelong Legacy club to develop former ambulance station in $500,000 works