THE Ellenbrook community hub project has been given a $2 million Lotterywest grant.

Providing a much-needed new home for the Ellenbrook Men’s Shed, the hub will also be the shared home of several community groups, including the Ellenbrook Combined Probus Club, Ellenbrook RSL and numerous multicultural associations.

The $7.5m project has also been supported by a $3.5m state government election commitment in 2021, as well as a $2m investment from the commonwealth.

In addition, the City of Swan has provided the land and $500,000 for landscaping when the building is complete.

The hub will feature a large hall to cater for functions, performances, events and regular group recreation activities, a workshop building for the core tenant Ellenbrook Men’s Shed, activity room, arts and craft space, community room, and indoor and outdoor storage rooms.

Extensive community consultation and a feasibility study have already been carried out by the City of Swan for the proposed hub to be built next to the Ellenbrook Bowls Club on Cashman Avenue.

Tenders for the final design and construction of the project closed on September 10 and construction is scheduled for completion by November 2025.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley, who presented the grant last week said the hub would be an exciting community facility in the heart of Ellenbrook and the state government is proud to support it.

“I want to acknowledge my friend and colleague, retiring local MP Jessica Shaw, for her persuasive and persistent advocacy for the hub on behalf of the Ellenbrook community.

“With the extra funding now secured from Lotterywest, I am thrilled that the project will soon become reality.

“It will provide a vital centre for local community clubs and organisations, with residents benefiting from the services being provided and the activities being offered.”

Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw said the people of Ellenbrook and Aveley have long advocated for a place where they can come together, socialise, celebrate and create.

“I have been proud to support their efforts in advocating for this facility. It’s so important that community spaces are also accessible and affordable for users. For far too long, local groups have told me that they have been priced out of coming together. That must change with this community hub.

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said the Ellenbrook Community Hub is a community-driven project that will give local community groups a place to call their own, where they can run programs and host events.

“The Ellenbrook area continues to experience rapid growth, and this is the sort of facility that will boost social inclusion, cohesion and wellbeing.”