A new community activity space for the Northern Beaches is a step closer after Council today appointed the successful tender for the new Trinity Beach Community Hall.
Council successfully secured funding ($935,000) from the State Government to help fund a new $1.83 million Trinity Beach Community Activity Space, which will replace the ageing and out-dated Trinity Beach Community Centre.
MyBuild Commercial was awarded the contract for construction of the Trinity Beach Hall, with works expected to start later this year and be completed mid-2024.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said once complete, the new Trinity Beach Community Activity Space, will allow community groups to provide activities and programs in a welcoming and safe environment.
“The current facility is more than 40 years old, is no longer fit for purpose, has insufficient capacity to meet community needs, and is not all-abilities accessible,” Cr Manning said.
“A feasibility study in 2021 showed considerable extensions to the existing facility would be needed to meet community needs and achieve compliance, making demolition and construction of a new, purpose-built facility more cost effective.”
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said: “Smithfield and Northern Beaches locals love to get together – the existing centre is incredibly popular, hosting more than 470 events in 2022.
“The Smithfield and Northern Beaches population is expected to grow 25 per cent in the next 15 years to more than 52,000 people so the new centre will help to strengthen social networks as the community grows.
“With the availability of a bigger and better space, the community will be able to enjoy even more gatherings and activities where they can socialise, share and learn.”
The new centre will have increased meeting and gathering spaces, dedicated kitchenettes, DDA compliant bathrooms and access.
Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds said a new community space for the Northern Beaches was much needed.
“The space will be about twice the size as what is currently available and will feature contemporary all-abilities access, room for the Red Cross Thrift Shop, a 148 square metre hall that can be divided into two meeting spaces, and have appropriate dimensions to allow indoor activities such as dance and fitness.
“Once complete, this new community space will become a focal point for local residents to connect, gather, learn, share and play.”
