The historic Michael Tuck Stand at Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn has been vacant for over 2 decades. We're 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 restore this unique heritage building and re-establish it as a valuable community asset, creating more opportunities for community connection, participation and wellbeing.
We're 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, we asked for 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 floor and level 1 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.
EOI process and timelines
Through the EOI process, we aim 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 early 2025.
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.
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.