North Ringwood Community House, located at the rear of the Holy Spirit Primary School at 120 Oban Road Ringwood North requires a new location so that it can expand its services and continue to meet the needs of the community.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on its successful application to the State Government for $25,000 to commence a feasibility study into identifying a preferred site.

Combined with a council grant of $5,000 the funding marks the first step towards North Ringwood Community House achieving its objective of creating an accessible and sustainable community centre in Ringwood North.

Cr Alex Makin said the community house needed to be relocated to better meet the needs of the Ringwood North community in an accessible and prominent location.

North Ringwood Community House is not situated on council owned land, which limits its access to grants. In addition, the house is unable to expand to meet increasing demand and its location lacks street frontage making it difficult for the community to access.

“The North Ringwood Community House is the only community house within Maroondah that is not located on council land [and] this has limited the house’s ability to apply for grants. As a result, the house has outgrown its current location and the buildings do not meet current accessibility standards.”

The feasibility study is a critical step in achieving the vision of a new community centre for Ringwood North. The funding provided through the State Government has enabled the house to begin this process.

Cr Makin praised the State Government for recognising the importance of the house to the Maroondah community.

The study is expected to be completed by early next year and will identify a preferred location for North Ringwood Community and the potential for co-location with other community organisations.