A high-tech library and community hall will soon be built in Windale after Lake Macquarie council's plans for the project were approved by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
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The multi-purpose facility has been in the works for a number of years. The council lodged a development application last July.
The centre, which will be built on the site of the existing community hall, will offer multiple learning and creative spaces.
The building includes a large community hall and an activity room for gatherings and functions, as well as smaller meeting rooms that are sound-proofed to enable use as a recording studio.
The council engaged with Windale residents over the past three years to ensure the centre met the community's needs and expectations.
Construction is expected to begin mid-year.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the facility would create a centrepiece for the rapidly changing suburb.
"The existing library and community hall have served Windale well for more than 60 years, but they are certainly ready for an update," she said.
"This project will provide a central community hub that has long-term community benefits as a key meeting place and activity centre for Windale and provide the valuable services that local residents want and need."
Construction is also expected to commence on a new flow-style skate park at Bahloo Reserve in the coming months.
The skate park is expected to double the size of the old skate park and is one of three skate parks the council is constructing in coming years.
The two other parks will be built at Morisset and Croudace Bay.
The council has launched the Windale Community Hall Memories Project to coincide with the new centre's construction and celebrate the history of the existing Windale Community Hall.
"To acknowledge and celebrate the history of the hall, we are asking our community to share their memories of this well-loved facility," the council's arts, culture and tourism manager Jacqui Hemsley said.
Locals are encouraged to upload photos and share memories online at www.lakemac.com.au/Projects/Windale-Hub.
They will potentially be incorporated into a public artwork at the new facility.
The multi-purpose centre, identified in the Charlestown Development Contributions Catchment Plan, will be funded by development contributions and proceeds from the sale of council land at Bennetts Green, where the new retail and commercial centre has been built.
