CALLING it an intergenerational project, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) was thrilled to announce yesterday they have received a grant of $5 million for the design of Hamilton’s Community and Cultural Precinct.

Consisting of the CBD Streetscape, New Hamilton Gallery, the Community Hub and new town square, the projects will be supported by the Federal Government to build community connection while growing the Southern Grampians tourism and cultural sectors.

SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle said Council was elated following this announcement.

“This funding announcement is a huge endorsement of our aspiration for the Hamilton CBD,” he said.

“It gives our major projects a real boost to turn these ambitious builds into a reality for our community.

“We are very appreciative to receive the funding, which will go toward project design, and importantly it shows a real belief and a commitment from the Federal Government to invest in the future of the Southern Grampians.

“As a Council we have been advocating hard over the last couple of years at both a State and Federal level to champion the progression of these intergenerational projects that we know will make a real difference in the growth and sustainability of our region.

“We know the Hamilton Community and Cultural Precinct has the capacity to grow not only our local economy but really cement our place as a must-stop destination on the tourism map.”

The new Community Hub will provide a place for community to improve education and business outcomes and skills; provide a much-needed expanded library, as well as the co-location of government and community health services.

The CBD Streetscape will allow for revitalised streets, build upon laneways and encourage community connection through spaces, culture, and events, welcoming visitors and residents to stay and play in what the Shire hoped will be a reinvigorated Hamilton CBD.

The new Gallery will provide an opportunity to display more of the extensive 9000 item collection and will be complemented by civic and community functions.

The Gallery will also strengthen connection between culture and life through art that is inclusive.

The intention was to position as a national leader in regional galleries to create a place that is exciting and ambitious.

Importantly, the new Gallery will also drive visitor growth and build the region’s tourism economy.

“We know our current civic and community facilities do not meet resident needs, with extensive gaps in service,” Mr Doyle said.

“Hamilton has one of the highest proportions of disengaged young people in Victoria, with 14.37 per cent of people 20-24 years-old not earning or learning.

“The new digital hub, with access to online education and training, will offer disengaged young people new opportunities to reconnect with learning in safe and free spaces.

“One in three households across the Southern Grampians contain a single resident, and more than a third of people over 75 live alone.

“By delivering these projects we will provide our more isolated residents the opportunity to participate in community life, build social connections, in welcoming, safe, and accessible spaces,” Mr Doyle said.

“These projects are really about strengthening the town centre as the place where the community comes together where locals shop, meet and stay.

“This is a once-in-a-generation, city-shaping opportunity to activate those unused central locations, connect community, provide businesses with economic opportunity, and transform our visitor economy.

“I’m really excited for this funding announcement, as it is the continuation of something aspirational and vitally important to the region.”

The funding is part of the Federal Governments Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.