In short:
Kelly Park Hall in Werribee is being demolished following council approval, despite strong community opposition. The site will become open parkland, leaving central Werribee without a community hall.
Council confirms no replacement for hall
Demolition is underway at Kelly Park Hall in Werribee, marking the end of a long community effort to save the historic venue in central Werribee.
Asbestos removal at the site was completed earlier this month as part of Wyndham City Council’s demolition process. A Council spokesperson said works began on October 3 following permit approval and were being carried out in accordance with all safety regulations.
“Demolition works at Kelly Park have commenced today following permit approval, with contractor set-up now underway,” the spokesperson said at the time.
“We can confirm that licensed contractors were on site undertaking asbestos removal at Kelly Park Centre. All works were carried out in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria and EPA requirements, following a detailed asbestos audit and approved Safe Work Method Statements.”
Council has confirmed that the land will be turned into open parkland and community space, with no replacement building planned. This means central Werribee will no longer have a community hall.
Local advocate Lisa Markovic took to social media as machinery moved in, saying, “Well, this is happening as we speak. Kelly Park Hall is no longer, to make way for…. well…. absolutely nothing. The result of a despicable move by our Mayor, who today has gloated on social media about the very, very old news that council has purchased a ‘piece of history’ in Station Place (the old theatre, still under lease for several years yet, so the cost to ratepayers to break lease will be significant) whilst the Werribee Museum and Historical Society and members of our community are packing decades of Wyndham’s history into boxes to relocate on Council’s demand. You can’t make this stuff up.”
Resident and long-time advocate Len Waddell said the group opposing demolition continues to pursue its complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman, arguing that the council decision lacked proper community consideration.
Mr Waddell said the hall sustained only minor damage to the kitchen area, was deemed fully repairable by insurers, and that $610,000 in insurance funds had been paid to Council.
He said a community petition signed by more than 2,200 residents, along with numerous letters of support and objections, had not been enough to prevent demolition.
Demolition works are expected to be completed by mid-October.
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