Hay Youth Taskforce sets sights on safe place to gather
The community building in Hay Park is under utilised, according to Hay Shire, who have plans to turn it in to a safe place for young people to gather. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.
By Tertia Butcher
Hay Youth Taskforce has identified the need for a safe place for young people to gather and socialise.
These sentiments were echoed in the findings of the 2022 Community Social Cohesion Survey to make Hay a better place to live.
In addition, businesses and visiting professionals have also identified the need for meeting and office spaces in Hay which can be used on a casual basis.
The community building at Park, which is close to all three schools, is considered underutilised and has the potential to redevelop into a modern youth and community indoor/outdoor space.
Hay Shire Council has successfully applied for funding under the Regional Youth Investment Program to develop concept plans to redesign the space, consult with stakeholders and develop detailed building plans and cost estimates.
A concept drawing for the proposed development.
The building phase is still unfunded.
Consultations have been held on site with the Youth Taskforce, Council staff and user group representatives to ascertain aspirations for future use.
Users have indicated a preference to remove the current changerooms closer to the football oval.
(Below: Option 8 involves relocating changerooms to beside the canteen building at number 1 oval, at Hay Park.)
Council said this would be more practical for those using the football ground and also provide greater flexibility for the youth and community space.
This particularly relates to the use and functionality of the indoor and outdoor areas at the southern end of the building adjoining the park area.
It is expected this option would cost $1.86 million.
Two concept designs have been further developed for community feedback.
Copies of the documents can be found on Council’s website and at its Administration Office.
Closing date for comment and feedback is February 2.
Option 5 sees the existing changerooms staying as part of the redevelopment of the community building into a more useable space. Hay Shire Council are calling for feedback on both options.
