Melbourne City Council has approved a $41.7 million North Melbourne Community Hub for Melrose Street.
Final concept designs for the North Melbourne Community Hub were endorsed by the Future Melbourne Committee on 2 September, clearing the way for construction of the massive 3000-square-metre facility. Located at 91-115 Melrose Street in the heart of the Macaulay urban renewal precinct, the hub will replace ageing community assets with a modern, intergenerational centre.
The development brings together maternal and child health services, family programs, youth initiatives, healthy ageing support and a toy library under one roof. Bookable meeting rooms, community halls and landscaped open space round out the offering, while an additional 1400 square metres of public green space will provide shaded areas, gardens and natural play zones.
North Melbourne Community Hub
- What: $41.7 million community facility with services and public space
- Where: 91-115 Melrose Street, North Melbourne
- When: Construction expected to begin late 2027, opening 2028/29
- Size: 3000sqm hub plus 1400sqm additional public open space
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Designed to serve North Melbourne’s rapidly growing population, the hub emerged from two rounds of community consultation that shaped the final concept. Future Melbourne Committee members have requested further exploration of incorporating the building’s multi-storey staircase as a feature encouraging physical activity, which will be examined in the next design phase.
Construction of the North Melbourne Community Hub represents a significant investment in Melbourne’s inner north, addressing the service gaps created by population growth in the Macaulay precinct. Once complete, the facility will establish a modern community focal point designed to bring different age groups together while providing essential services.
Built on a site that currently houses outdated community infrastructure, the new hub will transform how residents access community services and recreational opportunities in one of Melbourne’s fastest-developing neighbourhoods.
Community feedback from late 2024 showed strong support for the project, with 76 per cent of respondents expressing satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with the draft concept designs. Calls for more adaptable indoor areas, culturally inclusive spaces and enhanced green landscaping helped shape the final plans that were approved this month.
Councillors made one addition to the approval motion at Tuesday’s meeting, asking officers to explore active design principles during the next phase. This includes investigating how to make the building’s multi-storey staircase a prominent feature that encourages people to be more physically active throughout their visit.
Construction won’t kick off until late 2027, with the North Melbourne Community Hub expected to open its doors in 2028-29. The extended timeline allows for detailed design development and planning approvals before work begins on the Melrose Street site.
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