New community services hub to be established in West End

• Former West End Police Station will be given a new life as a community services hub
• Upgrade and refurbishment works of the historic building underway shortly to make the building fit for its new purpose.
• Micah Projects will provide a range of community services, including homelessness services, from the site.

The former West End Police Station will be upgraded and refurbished to become a hub for community services and will strengthen our resources to support the community.

Built in 1884, the historic building will undergo upgrade works for a new life as a community hub, with the refurbishment reflecting consideration of its heritage-listed status.

The building, now owned by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts, will be leased to Micah Projects to offer a range of services and supports in the central West End location.

Transitioning the building to a community hub supports our Communities 2032 strategy to support all Queenslanders to live in and enjoy communities that are vibrant and inclusive; healthy and active; safe and resilient; and supported and responsive.

It will also support the local community through responsiveness, innovative government services, community-led initiatives, and a well-resourced and capable community and social services sector.

The new hub is expected to open by the end of the year.

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:

““This new community hub will be a valuable new resource for Queenslanders in need in West End and surrounding areas,” she said.

“The heritage listed building has been used intermittently since its closure, including for the G20 summit and the Commonwealth Games, and this renewed use will mean an ongoing benefit for the local community.

“Micah Projects are already a well-established service provider in West End and are funded by the Palaszczuk Government to provide a range of services to vulnerable Queenslanders.

“This includes community support services under the Queensland Community Support Scheme, with an investment of over $1.9 million over the next five years.”

“Having these services available from the Boundary Street location will mean more people are able to access them when they are in need.      

Quotes attributable to Micah Projects Chief Executive Officer Karyn Walsh:

“We welcome the opportunity to create accessible services to the most vulnerable in the community,” she said.

“We are also looking forward to working with the department on the repurposing of the building.”

ENDS

Media contact – Pema Bastin 0422 655 582