Surf Coast Shire has awarded the contract to construct a new Community Hub at Winchelsea's Eastern Reserve to a Geelong-based firm, Lyons Construction, for just under $1.93 million.

The tender price will enable the Winchelsea Integrated Neighbourhood Community Hub (WINCH) project to be completed on budget, providing significant new facilities for sporting and community groups as well as local residents at Eastern Reserve.

The WINCH project compliments an array of upgrades completed at Eastern Reserve in recent years that have dramatically increased participation in sport and other activities. The facility will provide a multi-purpose centre for functions and events that will cater for up to 200 people It will also include a community gym, meeting rooms, office space and a commercial kitchen.

Many community groups are expected to use the facility, which will include a number of environmentally sustainable design features to save water and energy use.

The project is funded by a $2 million grant from the Federal Government's "Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program - Special Projects" fund as well as $400,000 from Surf Coast Shire and $100,000 from the Eastern Reserve Committee of Management (and their major fundraiser, the Winchelsea Festival).

Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Councillor Dean Webster, said the WINCH building is set to be completed in August 2011. "This is a great initiative and a big boost for Winchelsea" Councillor Webster said. "We look forward to the community making the most of these facilities for years to come."

Councillor Webster said the tender was awarded at Council's December meeting, where Council also passed a planning amendment that seeks to open up new residential and commercial land in Winchelsea and passed the final Winchelsea Industrial Estate Masterplan.