Redbank communities push for upgrades on North Richmond Community Center

In April they contribution to Hawkesbury City Council with a payment of $1.885 million, earmarked to be spent on an upgrade of the North Richmond Community Centre.

This is the most recent contribution of a total VPA by Redbank Communities of approximately $55 million (indexed to CPI) which will go towards local infrastructure upgrades.

Redbank Communities Project Director Mark Regent said that community centres and community organisations were vital to the fabric of local areas and that Council's use of this VPA to upgrade North Richmond Community Centre, Pre-School and OOSH would allow for greater access to services.

"The Community Centre is already home to local arts and cultural groups, fitness classes, private events, worship and children's services," said Mr Regent.

"We look forward to Council sharing their plans for the upgrade of the Community Centre with Hawkesbury residents in the near future and seeing the opportunities that will arise for even more activity once works are complete.

"This is a timely contribution as local demand for out of school hours care and pre-school services is increasing."

To date, Redbank Communities has contributed $2.5 million towards Bells Line of Road intersection upgrades in North Richmond, $750,000 for 1.2 kilometres of walking paths from Peel Park to North Richmond Town Centre, and created usable and accessible community greenspace through the development of Belmont Park and Yeomans Park.

This includes new play areas, walking tracks and workout spaces. Future works funded under the VPA will include an upgrade to Peel Park and a funding contribution towards the Grose River Bridge.

Mr Regent believes that the upgrade of the community centre is necessary as the Redbank community has reached a point of growth that now requires these services.

"We've generated demand for more preschool and after school care services," said Mr Regent. "Council had identified a lot on William St for upgrades ... the Fun Factory, the before and after school care centre on Elizabeth St. That's a part of stage one.

"Then stage two is upgrades to the community centre in conjunction with other grants. This is an aspect of our community care.

Mr Regent noted that the community at Redbank is really good and that he now wants to do what he can to take care of them and their needs.

"We have the money there for community needs. We receive questions asking when these upgrades and developments are going to happen.

"It's exciting to hand over a lot of money that can provide jobs and much needed services to the community. We're now just waiting for approval.

"Through careful planning and a collaborative, community-led approach to development, Redbank Communities are creating an innovative, well-planned, and sustainable community which will contribute to a healthy and prosperous Hawkesbury region."

When asked about the VPA Hawkesbury City Council's Director City Planning, Linda Perrine said; "A VPA was executed between Redbank and Council in August 2014".

"Council received the funds for the community centre on 27 April 2020 for the amount of $1,853,242," she continued.

"Council staff are finalising plans for community and childcare facilities and will be reporting the plans to Council later this year."