See below more on the project, including why the centre is being demolished, how we will continue to honour former Councillor Chris Gahan and how you can get involved in the landscape design phase.
Why is the Chris Gahan Centre being demolished?
Built in 1970, the Chris Gahan Centre is no longer fit-for-purpose, is not well-utilised and will require significant repairs and upgrades to bring it up to the standard expected in modern community facilities.
In addition to the above, within the past two years, the nearby Grattan Gardens Community Centre has been upgraded to a modern, high-quality facility for the community.
As a result of the upgrades, groups who previously used the Chris Gahan Centre have relocated to the Grattan Gardens Community Centre, further diminishing the need to retain the Chris Gahan Centre.
Where will the remaining groups using the Chris Gahan Centre go?
As of February 2025, all remaining user groups have agreed to relocate into the Grattan Gardens Community Centre or to other suitable community facilities nearby.
How will we continue to honour Councillor Chris Gahan?
Staff are working closely with the family of the late Councillor Chris Gahan to explore options for a suitable memorial to be integrated into plans for the site.
How can you get involved?
Following the building demolition and lawn establishment, we will develop design plans for the new parkland and its connection to Izett Street Park.
At this stage we will invite the community to participate in an engagement that will inform the landscape design and connection.
Will the fence between Izett Street park and Grattan Gardens be removed immediately after the building is demolished?
No. For pedestrian safety, the fence will remain until the final park design and connection are constructed.
The final plans will include turning the laneway between Izett Street Park and Grattan Gardens into a shared zone, which will be pedestrian priority and Disability Discrimination Act compliant.
When will the final park and connection be constructed?
The updated timeline for the project, from building demolition to completion is as follows:
| STAGE 1 - BUILDING DEMOLITION AND TURF ESTABLISHMENT |
| September 2025 |
Building demolition and site clearance |
| September 2025 - January 2026 |
Interim park establishment with grass seeding |
| STAGE 2 - PERMANENT PARK CONSULTATION AND CONSTRUCTION |
| October 2025 - February 2026 |
Landscape and civil design for permanent park treatment and shared zone - including community engagement. |
| Late-2026 start |
Construction of permanent landscape treatment and shared zone. |