Providing Community Facilities at Pegasus and Woodend (Ravenswood)

The growing communities of Pegasus and nearby Ravenswood subdivision of Woodend will see the Woodend- Pegasus community double in population to about 12,000 in 30 years’ time.

The Council currently rents space at Pegasus for community activities but it is too small to cater for the north-east part of the District. The Council has undertaken a review of the needs in the area and concluded additional and permanent facilities are required.

We propose building a new community centre in each of these areas with land purchase for both facilities proposed to begin in 2021.

The development of the Pegasus facility is planned for the following year and the north Woodend (Ravenswood) facility within the next ten years.

The proposed investment is:

• For Pegasus this includes allocating a total of $4.7 million for land, which will be purchased in 2021/22, and building a community centre of about 400m2 in the 2023 – 25 period
• For north Woodend (Ravenswood) this includes allocating up to $4.3 million for land in 2021/22 - sufficient land will be acquired should facilities like an aquatic centre be needed in the future. The construction of a community facility of about 800m2 would take place in 2029/30 with a provision made for $6 million.

OPTIONS:

A: Council’s preference

The proposal to budget for and develop new facilities at Pegasus and north Woodend in the timeframes signalled.

B: Advance construction of the north Woodend facility so that it is built by 2025/26.

This would result in an increase in debt levels earlier than currently signalled and increase rates by about $32 more per property than currently signalled. The Council does not recommend this at this time.

C: Build one combined facility at either Pegasus or north Woodend.

While this would see a larger facility built, based on a survey of community needs it is felt that the distance between Pegasus and Woodend would lessen its use. Accordingly this is not the preferred approach.

*Cost - The rate includes construction/operation costs and debt servicing.

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