The design phase of the new Hurstbridge Family Centre has
identified some challenges which will lengthen this phase of the
project.
Councillor Lewis Brock who leads the Project Advisory Committee
said while we continue with our agreed design process some further
steps have been identified which has increased the time required in
the design phase by a minimum of six months. 'Those children
currently enrolled in the two existing preschools - Ferguson Park
and Hurstbridge - will finish their year there. Any temporary
accommodation will not be in place until the start of the 2012
school year at the earliest. I am committed to keeping the people
of Hurstbridge informed about any changes and will provide timely
information for the parents and children.'
'The changes to the timeframe of the project are a result of
factors that have been identified through the design process. Part
of this included an arborist report which identified a number of
significant trees which must be retained. Melbourne Water has also
informed us that they are in the process of amending flood levels
for the Hurstbridge area, where the preschools are and has
identified the site as being subject to a one in 100 year flood
event. This means any new building design will need to take this
factor into account.'
'These two issues have had a significant impact on the design
options that may be considered and the associated costs. Now that
we are in a better position to understand the cost implications of
this project we continue to work with Perkins Architects to explore
further achievable design options. We will also continue to have
conversations with the State and Federal Governments about the
funding challenges we face, site constraints and the project
timetable.'
'We will continue to have the best interests of the current and
future children in our Shire at the core of decision making with
regards to this project.'
For information about the Hurstbridge Family Centre, email Nichole
Johnson, Community Services Strategic Project Coordinator, or
phone 9433 3134. Alternatively, you can go to the Hurstbridge Family Centre page of our
website for more information about the project.
