Key points:
- Corrimal Community Centre and Library has reopened following a $1.7 million upgrade to air-conditioning and building infrastructure.
- Improvements will support around 100,000 annual visits from community groups, program participants, hirers and library users.
- The project forms part of Council’s over $6.5 million investment in community centres and halls across Wollongong this year.
Residents of Corrimal and surrounding suburbs can once again enjoy one of the region’s most popular community hubs, with the Corrimal Community Centre and Library reopening today following four months of essential upgrade and maintenance works and a $1.7 million Council investment.
The Corrimal Community Centre and Library hosts a range of programs and activities, including children’s cartooning, STEM and drama workshops, as well as health, fitness and social groups. Corrimal Library attracts more than 56,000 visits each year, while affordable office, meeting and function spaces support local organisations, businesses and community connections.
The upgrade ensures the nearly 30-year-old facility remains safe, comfortable and fit for purpose for years to come. Works included replacing the air-conditioning system, upgrading lighting, renewing hall flooring and amenities, and replacing the operable dividing wall in Grevillea Hall.
The project forms part of Council’s broader commitment to maintaining and improving the community spaces that help people connect, learn, stay active and participate in community life.
This year alone, Council is investing over $6.5 million in improving existing community facilities across Wollongong, including projects at Balgownie Village Community Centre, Wongawilli Community Hall, Wollongong Senior Citizens Centre, Otford Community Hall and the expansion of Port Kembla Community Hall.
Works are also underway to replace the lifts at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre and expand programming space Thirroul Community Centre and Library, with both busy facilities remaining open throughout the works.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said community centres and halls play a vital role in creating healthy, inclusive and liveable communities.
“Community centres and halls are much more than buildings. They’re places where people come together to learn new skills, stay active, access services and build meaningful connections,” Cr Brown said.
“That’s why Council continues to invest in maintaining and improving these facilities, ensuring they remain welcoming, accessible and affordable places for residents now and into the future.”
“Alongside these upgrades, we’re also delivering two major new community facilities in Helensburgh and Warrawong to meet the needs of our growing and changing communities.”
Council’s investment in community facilities is guided by its Places for the Future: Social Infrastructure Future Directions Plan 2023-2036, which helps ensure community infrastructure continues to meet the changing needs of residents across the Wollongong Local Government Area.
