North Melbourne Community Hub plans endorsed

The City of Melbourne has given the green light to final concept plans for the long-awaited North Melbourne Community Hub, with councillors unanimously endorsing the $41.7 million project at the September 2 Future Melbourne Committee meeting.

The new 3000sqm hub will rise on Melrose St in the heart of the Macaulay urban renewal precinct, replacing ageing community assets and establishing a modern, intergenerational centre designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

The development will bring together maternal and child health and family services, youth programs, healthy ageing initiatives, and a toy library, alongside bookable meeting rooms, community halls and landscaped open space. An additional 1400 sqms of green space will also be made available, providing shaded areas, gardens and natural play zones.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the endorsement marked a major milestone in a project years in the making.

“The North Melbourne Community Hub redevelopment has marked an exciting milestone with the completion of final concept designs,” he said.

We’ve listened closely to what the community want and need and look forward to delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hub that will serve locals now and into the future.

Cr Gladys Liu, who leads the council’s community, health and city services portfolio, said the project reflected strong community input.

“Thanks to community feedback, we’ve added more flexible, accessible spaces and an additional 1400sqm of new open space – meaning more green space to socialise and enjoy time outdoors,” she said.

“We’re excited to be delivering what locals have asked for – creating a vibrant new community hub fit for everyone.”

During consultation late last year, 76 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the draft concept designs, with calls for more adaptable indoor areas, culturally inclusive spaces and green landscaping shaping the final plans.

At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors added one amendment to the motion, requesting officers explore active design principles in the next phase, with a focus on creating a prominent staircase to encourage incidental physical activity.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2027, with the hub scheduled for completion in 2028-29. •