The Hellenic Club in Canberra is looking to the future with the launch of an ambitious plan to transform the centre into a world-class lifestyle precinct.
The plans feature entertainment, dining, social and commercial spaces designed to attract local, national and international visitors.
Starting on Wednesday next week, and for the next six months the Hellenic Club Board and management will hold information sessions with the design team, in order to involve its members and the broader community in the consultation process, inviting them to give their feedback as the plans progress.
“We’re looking forward to the next 40 years. We’ve been here for 40 years, now for the next 40 years – how are we going to secure our future?” Club CEO Ian Cameron said to The RiotAct, mentioning that the two drivers of this project were initially to secure parking, and to move away from poker machine revenue, shifting the club to a more sustainable income stream.
The plans currently consist of a new auditorium housing a 2,000 seat theatre, designed to attract national shows and events, a 16-storey office tower, a 12-storey, 150-room high-end hotel.
It will also include a unique multi-cuisine dining area based on the idea of the Greek Agora with an alfresco feel to it, as well as a multicultural centre for all of Canberra’s diverse community. There will be function and conference spaces, sports bars, a micro-brewery, a cinema, a bowling alley and arcade games.
Hoping to take advantage of the high demand for A-grade office space, the club aims to be ready to offer space, at the time of the completion of its 20,000 square metre building, to government agencies and smaller private tenants, to bring workers back into the town centre and support local businesses. The club will also house a child care centre, a gym and day spa.
“Our goal has been to identify multiple commercial anchors that will drive foot traffic and visitation to our site,” Hellenic Club board president Andrew Satsias said.
Hoping to start construction late next year, the club is inviting the community to stay informed and give their feedback during the consulation process.
“We are planning for the first of these sessions to occur in the next month and will confirm the dates of these on our website, social media and in our members newsletter”, the club posted on its Facebook page on Monday, and adds that “the main purpose of this proposal is to future-proof our financial position and diversify our revenue so we can ensure a strong and vibrant club well into the future. Feedback from our members is vital and we encourage you to get involved in the upcoming consultation process”.
Peter Micalos’s Intellectual Property Group has been engaged by the club as development manager and Purdon Planning will run the consultation and Development Application process, whilst exploring a number of options for the delivery.
For more information about the first information session on 6 April, and for updates on this project, follow The Hellenic Club of Canberra on Facebook or visit www.hellenicclub.com.au
