Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin reports

New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library

Council is due to start engagement on the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library.

It was announced to be similar to centres at Thirroul (1 hall with capacity of 248, 6 rooms, 0 offices) and Corrimal (1 hall with capacity of 200, 4 rooms, 3 offices). However, this would mean building over all three blocks of land now owned by Council and not just the two blocks next to the existing library to give the equivalent parking.

Council is looking at a design and construct contract to minimise the time frame required for the build. This could mean less opportunity for community engagement, with little if any review of the design by the community. We have to get this centre right first time, even if it takes a little longer.

Be involved with the design and details of your new Community Centre and Library during the engagement. What do you want in your and your children’s local resource?

Council will want to build quickly but we have to get it right. Have your say during the engagement. Council’s Facilities Operations Manager will run a drop-in Q&A session in Otford prior to NF1’s October 9 meeting at the community hall. Council has also been asked to be at the Lions Club Country Fair on 26 October. The refurbished sign from the original Helensburgh Station and the four wall quilts are two local artifacts to go into the new centre. What else? The coal skips? The history of Helensburgh and surrounds? What do you want to see in the new centre? Existing community centre land was proposed by the Lord Mayor to become green space with potential for a public toilet.

Helensburgh Cemetery Portico

NF1 Sept meeting voted to support the keeping of the portico and this was submitted to council.Council will now review submissions and other factors before a decision is made.

Next NF1 meeting

Neighbourhood Forums are independent forums of residents, supported by Wollongong City Council. Next NF1 meeting will be 7pm, 9 Oct at Otford Community Hall

Update from WCC

Wollongong City Council welcomes feedback on Helensburgh Community Centre & Library is welcome from 9 to 31 October. Key dates below:

• 9-31 Oct Have your say on the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library. Wollongong City Council’s face-to-face engagement includes:
• 9 Oct Otford Community Hall 5.30-7pm drop-in, Neighbourhood Forum 1 from 7pm.
• 17 Oct 9.30am-5pm. H’burgh Library drop-in.
• 26 Oct Helensburgh Lions Country Fair.
• Submissions to council due 31 Oct via email, phone, post or our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au