The historic Michael Tuck Stand at Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn has been vacant for over 2 decades. We are bringing this heritage-listed building back to life as part of our wider revitalisation of the Glenferrie Oval precinct and are looking for community groups and partners to help us do this.
Our aim is to both restore this unique heritage building and re-establish it as a valuable community asset, creating more opportunities for community connection, participation and wellbeing.
We are planning for the proposed spaces to be used for a diverse range of activities and programs of interest to people of all ages and abilities, such as:
- cultural, arts and local history activities
- recreational, leisure, wellbeing and fitness activities
- children’s, youth and seniors’ activities
- exhibitions, meetings and events
- office or administrative space to support community program operations.
To achieve this, sought expressions of interest (EOI) from community groups and partner organisations who are interested in using the proposed spaces to deliver programs for our community.
Construction to create the proposed spaces is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2028.
Types of community spaces available
The community spaces will be located on the ground and first level of the renewed Michael Tuck Stand building. The ground floor will also be shared with community sports.
We have a variety of proposed internal spaces available, as we anticipate there might be different types of interest in the building. Some community groups and partners may be interested in being based in the building in an on-going capacity (through a lease arrangement for a dedicated space) — while others may seek to use shared spaces within the building on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
Through the EOI process, community groups could express interest in any or all of the internal community spaces proposed, and we welcomed submissions for all types of usage arrangements and interests in these spaces. At this stage, we anticipate the shared spaces will have the capacity for long-term and casual bookings.
The below tables and floor plan maps provide a list of our proposed internal spaces, noting the building design and operating model hasn’t been finalised yet. Layout and room sizes may vary once the final design and operating model is complete.
Space definitions
Dedicated space
This space will be allocated to a particular community group for exclusive use for a period of time, such as through a lease arrangement. These might be for particular program activities and/or for community office or administrative spaces to support program delivery.
Shared space
This space may be used by a variety of groups and is available for longer-term and casual bookings. Prospective partners may be interested in running programs from these spaces on a weekly, monthly, annual (or other) basis. We are proposing these spaces will be shared with other community groups, and some may be available for casual hire by community members.
Proposed ground level spaces
| Space name | Size | Dedicated or shared spaces | Possible uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community 4 | 38 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Flexibility to accommodate office space, meeting rooms, various program activities. |
| Community 5 | 37 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Flexibility to accommodate office space, meeting rooms, various program activities. |
| Store 4 | 16 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Private storage space for each tenant. |
| Store 5 | 19 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Private storage space for each tenant. |
| Shared Multipurpose room | 98 m2 | Shared | This can be used for rehearsals, events, functions, or programming |
| Shared Store (multipurpose room) | 25 m2 | Shared | Storage to be shared with other tenants. This could be office equipment, activity storage etc. |
| Community Sport and Community | 62 m2 | Shared | This space will be predominantly used by sporting clubs and can be booked by the community outside the sport usage times. Bookings can be typically made Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm. |
Proposed first level spaces
| Space name | Size | Dedicated or shared | Possible uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community 1 | 57 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Flexibility to accommodate individual offices, meeting rooms, various program activities. |
| Community 2 | 30 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Flexibility to accommodate individual offices, meeting rooms, various program activities. |
| Community 3 | 66 m2 | Dedicated or shared | Flexibility to accommodate individual offices, meeting rooms, various program activities. |
| Shared Promenade Gallery/Multipurpose space | 185 m2 | Shared | Used for arts, culture, or local history exhibits. This space could accommodate gatherings, events or other activities noting that it also functions as an open walkway. It is envisaged that there will be an annual program of exhibits and displays, which can be booked by tenants or the community. The space may also be able to accommodate other types of occasional or regular activities (author talks, seminars). |
| Shared Community Store 1, 2, 3 | 17 m2 | Shared | Storage to be shared with other tenants. This could be office equipment, activity storage etc. |
Download the detailed proposed floorplans
EOI process and timelines
Through the EOI process, we are aiming to:
- offer a diverse range of community activities and programs of interest to people of all ages and abilities
- establish a list of community groups and partners who we’ll work with over the next few years to develop a diverse range of community activities and programs in preparation for when the building re-opens in 2028.
A group or organisation doesn’t need to be based within Boroondara to be considered but must demonstrate interest in supporting our local community.
The process is being conducted across 3 stages.
Stage 1: Expressions of interest
- Opened for 5 weeks - commenced Monday 8 July and closed 5 pm on Friday 9 August 2024.
- Community groups and partners will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application in September 2024 and if they have been successful or not to take part in stage 2 of the process.
EOI assessment criteria
Community groups and partners will be shortlisted based on the assessment of their EOI application, against the following criteria:
- Who in Boroondara will benefit from the program/s or activities proposed
- What the community group or partner believes they can achieve within the space/s and how it benefits those participating
- Why the community group or partner believes they’re most suited to the space/s
- Interest in being part of a community hub and willingness to collaborate with other community groups within the facility or wider community
We reserve the right to hold further EOI’s for community partners if the EOI responses do not present an opportunity for a diverse range of community activities and programs to be delivered from the site.
We have already held discussions with local historical societies and community bands regarding use of the Michael Tuck Stand, and these opportunities are identified in the Vision and Design Brief on our Revitalising of the Glenferrie Oval precinct page. In light of this, we’ll prioritise some of the spaces identified as ‘dedicated spaces’ in the refurbished building to these groups should they participate in this EOI process. Given the size of the building and number of proposed spaces available, there is still plenty of opportunity for other community groups and partners to utilise the building as well.
Stage 2: Short list
- We’ll develop a shortlist of community groups that offer a broad range of programs and activities to support a wide range of community members using the building.
- Shortlisted groups will be supported to provide further information. Officers will work with applicants to better understand each group’s application and how the groups can work best together.
- Community groups will be notified in writing about whether or not they are progressing and will secure a space.
- The successful groups will be advised of the next steps, noting occupancy of the spaces will not occur until the building is completed in 2028.
Stage 3: Finalise operating model and indicative programs and activities
- We’ll work with prospective tenants and regular building users to develop an operational model and an indicative suite of activities and programs to occur within the building on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. This process may include shared understandings of the community vision, expectations, roles and responsibilities of all partners.
- We’ll finalise agreements with community groups to formalise their tenancy and or building use in the Michael Tuck Stand. The finalisation of tenant leases is expected before the completion of building works (anticipated in early 2028), with lease terms expected to range from 3 to 5 years.
More information
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Michael Williams, Senior Community Support Project Officer at [email protected] or call 03 9278 4595.