More shared-use facilities and the integration of existing and future community centres into ‘community hubs’ are two of the key recommendations in Northern Beaches Council’s draft Community Centre Strategy which will go on public exhibition this week.

Endorsed by Council at its meeting last night, the draft strategy is designed to guide Council’s planning and management of its community centres over the next 20 years.

Mayor Michael Regan said the strategy addressed both the increasing demand on existing facilities and the future needs of a growing, more diverse population on the Northern Beaches.

“Our community centres provide space for activities that result in improved general and mental health, personal and social well-being for all in the community.

“Council recognises the importance of managing these facilities in a fair and equitable manner for the benefit of the whole community. We have identified a shortfall in community centre space throughout the region with a lack of large, integrated multipurpose community facilities in key locations.

“We propose more floor space in strategic town centres. This will mean refurbishment of some existing facilities and investigating the option of establishing district multipurpose community centres in major locations, such as Brookvale, as part of a network of centres across the Northern Beaches.

“This draft strategy outlines a vision for a network of multipurpose centres that are attractive and vibrant community centres, accessible, with good connections to public transport and affordable rates of hire.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with all the community groups that use Council’s facilities in this upcoming round of community consultation”.

The draft strategy contains the feedback from the first round of community engagement involving 649 stakeholders in mid to late 2018.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678