Project objective
We are seeking community feedback on the concept plan for a new Youth Centre that will provide Bayside’s young people with accessible programs, dedicated spaces and improved support services.
As part of Council’s long‑term planning, a purpose‑built Youth Centre is being delivered at Highett Common, which will provide a modern, fit‑for‑purpose home for Bayside’s youth services programs when it opens in 2028.
The current centre at Peterson Reserve was built in the 1960s and no longer meets the functional, accessibility or space requirements needed for contemporary youth programs.
Relocating the service to Highett Common will ensure young people have access to a safe, flexible and modern environment designed specifically for their needs.
The new Youth Centre will offer:
- a large activity space with operable walls
- an open kitchen for cooking programs
- an art sink for creative activities
- a podcast/recording studio
- two consulting rooms for youth wellbeing services
The Centre will be located on the ground floor of Building K within the Sunkin Highett development, alongside a new library, Maternal and Child Health Centre, meeting rooms and a café. Its proximity to public transport and the Highett shopping precinct will improve access for young people and families.
A purpose‑designed building will allow Council to centralise services currently spread across multiple sites, expand program offerings, and provide more opportunities for positive youth development.
This project responds to strong community calls for improved youth facilities and access to inclusive, welcoming spaces that support learning, creativity, wellbeing and social connection.
Project impacts
This engagement program focuses on community feedback about the design decisions of the Youth Centre concept plan — including soft furnishings, materials and colour of the space.
It does not include consultation on broader strategic decisions about service delivery, staffing, or operational models.
Environmental impacts
- Opportunities for sustainable building design
- Improved landscaping and outdoor spaces for young people
- Potential energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible features
Social and community impacts
- Increased activation of the area, with more young people visiting the site
- Stronger community connection through inclusive youth programming
- Potential impact of usage for current centre users during construction period
- Long-term benefits through accessible support services and safe social spaces
Financial impacts
- Budget allocated for the planning and construction of the new Youth Centre
- Future operational funding to be addressed through Council’s annual budget process
What information do we need from the community?
We are looking for ideas on how the new Youth Centre should look and feel. We want to ensure that the space reflects the needs of young people, their preferences and sense of belonging.
What can the community influence?
- Look and feel of the Centre, including materials and colours
- Ideas for accessibility, inclusion, and youth-friendly design
What can’t the community influence?
- The decision to create a Youth Centre — this has been endorsed by Council
- Mandatory safety and accessibility design requirements
- Budget parameters set through the annual budget process
- Operational decisions (e.g. service delivery models, staffing, programming)
- Site selection, Council has already determined the location
Stakeholders and community
This stakeholder assessment provides a generalised understanding of groups connected to the project and helps determine effective communication and engagement techniques.
| Stakeholder / community | Impact | Interest | Influence |
| Young people (12–25) | H | H | Consult |
| Parents and carers | H | H | Consult |
| Local schools and education providers | M | H | Consult |
| Youth service organisations | M | H | Consult |
| Neighbouring residents | M | M | Consult |
| Broader Bayside community | L | L | Consult |
| Youth community groups (BGKLLEN, TeamSports4All, Youth Networks). | H | H | Consult |
| Bayside Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee | M | M | Consult |
Selected tools and techniques
Key tools for communicating the project
- Email notifications to Have Your Say members
- Direct engagement with youth organisations and schools
- Social media posts targeting young people and parents
- Website news story and inclusion in This Week in Bayside
- Posters and flyers distributed through youth‑focused venues
Key methods for gathering feedback
- Online engagement via Have Your Say
- Youth-friendly survey (Fund It tool) and visual preference activities (digital ideas board)
- Workshops with young people, including targeted sessions for priority groups
- Phone, postal and email submissions
Project timelines
| Community consultation | 23 March – 19 April |
| Detailed design | Late March – April 2026 A detailed design will be created incorporating feedback from the community based on the concept design. The cost of construction will be referred to the 2026–27 budget process |
| Construction | From late 2026 to mid 2027 |
Decision-making process
Community feedback will guide the detailed design of the new Youth Centre as we finalise the concept plan.
Feedback collected during community engagement will be reviewed by Council officers. A detailed design will then be prepared, incorporating feasible community suggestions. Construction is anticipated to begin once the project is funded through Council’s budget process.
Community members can subscribe for updates via the ‘Subscribe’ button on the project page.
More information
Ashley Gasperino
Youth Worker
03 9599 4399
