Concept Designs Unveiled for Hamilton's New Community Hub

Southern Grampians Shire Council is inviting community to help shape the future of Hamilton, with concept designs for the new Community Hub, Library and Civic Square now available for public feedback.

Residents are encouraged to explore the concept designs online and complete a short survey to share their ideas and help guide the next stage of the project.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the release of the concept designs marks an exciting milestone for the region.

"We're excited to share these concept designs with our community," Cr Heslin said. "This project represents a significant investment in Hamilton's future and will create welcoming, accessible spaces that bring people together, connect residents with services, and support community life for generations to come."

Drawing on feedback gathered during the first round of community engagement in February, the concept designs feature a contemporary two-storey multipurpose building that brings together a new library, community meeting spaces, Council customer services and other tenanted services under one roof.

"Having multiple services in a central location will make it easier for residents to access the support and facilities they need," Cr Heslin said.

"The architects have carefully considered what our community told us earlier this year, and these designs reflect many of the ideas, aspirations and priorities that were shared."

A key feature of the proposed Community Hub is an expanded library designed to support learning, creativity and connection for people of all ages. The concept includes flexible multipurpose spaces and a proposed "Fab Lab" that could provide access to technology, innovation and hands-on learning opportunities.

"Now we're asking the community to help us shape what those spaces will ultimately look like," Cr Heslin said.

"What would you like to see in a Fab Lab? Could it include podcasting and music recording facilities, creative maker spaces, design software, gaming technology or simulators? This is an opportunity for you to share what facilities and experiences our community would like to access."

The proposed Community Hub also includes a range of meeting and gathering spaces designed to support local groups, organisations and individuals, creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and socialise.

Alongside the Hub, the concept designs include a new Civic Square that could become a vibrant community destination for events, activities, celebrations and everyday use. The space is designed to balance large community gatherings with casual daily activities, offering seating areas, green open spaces and places for families and visitors to enjoy.

Within the proposed library, dedicated areas are planned for children's and youth programs, along with quiet study and workspaces. An outdoor garden area is also included, providing opportunities to take programs such as Story Time into a safe and engaging natural setting.

Council is encouraging residents to view the designs, ask questions and provide feedback either online or in person at the Community Hub Pop-Up Shop, located at 107 Gray Street, Hamilton.

Council staff will be available to speak with residents from Tuesday 9 June – Friday 19 June 2026.

Tuesday 9 June to Friday 12 June: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 13 June: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Residents are also invited to attend a Community Information Session at the Hamilton Cinema on Wednesday 17 June 2026 between 6:00pm – 7:30pm where architects and staff will present the concept designs, provide opportunity to answer questions and listen to community feedback.

Feedback closes 5:00pm Wednesday 8 July 2026 and will help inform the next stage of the design process.

The development of the concept and detailed design work is funded through the $5 million secured under Stream 1 of the Australian Government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).