Joint Statement - Elwood College's vision for Phoenix Centre to come to life

Joint Statement – Elwood College’s vision for Phoenix Centre to come to life

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

Lauren Sherson, Liberal Candidate for Albert Park

13 September 2022.

A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver $7.1 million for Elwood College to commence Stage One of their vision to rebuild their existing theatre and gymnasium as a sports, recreation and arts hub.

The College’s current theatre and gymnasium, known as the Phoenix Centre, is aged and no longer appropriate for the school’s and community’s needs.

The completed centre would be home to a range of facilities, including a new competition-compliant multi-lined indoor netball court with spectator seating, undercover outdoor basketball courts, change rooms and toilets, a dance rehearsal studio, multipurpose recreation rooms, court and theatre foyers, dressing rooms and a refurbished theatre.

The Elwood community would have access to the facilities out of school hours, with art groups actively using the space to create, perform and practice, and sporting teams able to make use of the space for competitions and training. Two thirds of the use of the facilities are by the community more broadly, solidifying the College as a hub of Elwood.

Liberal Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said the Phoenix Centre project will be a game changer not only for Elwood College but also the Elwood community.

“This investment acknowledges the significant role the theatre plays for recreation and performing arts opportunities for students and the broader community.”

Liberal Candidate for Albert Park, Lauren Sherson, said this announcement means Elwood will be home to a meaningful and valuable piece of community infrastructure.

“Elwood is a vibrant and growing community and Elwood College is the heartbeat at the centre of it.”

“Only a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver Stage One of this project and see the college’s vision come to life.”

Lauren Sherson, Liberal Candidate for Albert Park

James Newbury, Member for Brighton