Published: February 15, 2010
Bob Stensholt, State MP for Burwood today joined Anna Burke, Federal MP for Chisholm, Cr Charlotte Baines, Mayor of the City of Monash and the community to celebrate the start of construction for the exciting new $5.6 million Batesford Reserve Youth and Community Hub.
To mark the occasion, a member of each community group and agency involved with the Hub project had their handprint recorded by artist, Brandon Hocking for an art piece, ‘House of Hands’ that will be incorporated in the new facility.
Once complete, the new centre will house facilities for Monashlink Community Health Service, Monash Youth and Family Services, University of the Third Age, Power Neighbourhood House, Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre, Ashwood Ashburton Chadstone Tenants Group and Gateway Local Learning and Employment Network.
It will offer multi-purpose meeting and activity rooms, common kitchenettes and storage space, as well as accessible toilets and amenities.
The project has received $4,020,000 in funding from the Australian Government through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, as part of the Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan, $1,300,000 from the Department of Health, $130,000 from the Department of Planning and Community Development and $150,000 through the Neighbourhood Renewal Infrastructure Fund.
The Batesford Reserve Youth and Community Hub was designed by Croxon Ramsay Architects in association with the City of Monash Urban Design & Architecture team to deliver a high standard ‘green’ building.
The construction of the new eco-friendly Hub will involve using 50,000 recycled bricks and a range of other recycled or recyclable materials for features including carpets, insulation, internal brickwork and concrete paving. An anticipated 85% of all materials used in the construction will be Australian-manufactured products.
Other interesting features of the new sustainable building will be:
§ Optimum solar orientation for summer shade and winter sun penetration.
§ Innovative natural ventilation, including thermal chimneys, with an energy efficient cooling system and lighting to minimise the Hub’s carbon footprint.
§ A photovoltaic solar panel system that allows any excess power to be fed back into the electricity grid and make the building substantially self-sufficient.
§ Water free urinals and rainwater harvesting for flushing toilets and irrigation of the surrounding landscape.
§ Double glazing, high standard roof and wall insulation with thermal breaks and cavities to maximise the building’s energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
§ Automated opening of high level windows and vents, as well as ceiling fans, to optimise ventilation and comfort.
§ A water sensitive and drought tolerant landscape design.
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