City of Whittlesea moves forward with plans for new Youth Hub
Published on 23 March 2026
The City of Whittlesea Council has approved a preferred location for a new Youth Hub in South Morang, marking a significant step toward delivering dedicated spaces and services for young people across the municipality.
At its meeting on 17 March 2026, Council considered a Business Case exploring potential locations for a Youth Hub and supported the development of the facility at the Civic Centre (South) site in South Morang, near the main vehicle entry from Ferres Boulevard.
The proposed Youth Hub will provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where young people can connect, access programs and services, and participate in activities that support their wellbeing, development and transition into education and employment.
The decision follows extensive research and consultation with young people, including the City of Whittlesea Youth Needs Analysis and Youth Hub Feasibility Study, which identified increasing social isolation, mental health pressures and a shortage of free, youth-friendly spaces for young people in the municipality.
Young people across the municipality played a large part in the development of the business case, helping shape the recommendations, location and service model, ensuring that this project reflects the needs and ideas of those who will benefit from the facility. Four potential sites were evaluated as part of the Business Case, considering factors such as accessibility, safety, youth-led design opportunities, community integration and long-term feasibility.
The Civic Centre (South) site was identified as the preferred option due to its proximity to public transport, strong visibility, opportunities for outdoor activation and alignment with priorities identified by young people through consultation.
The Youth Hub will operate as part of a hub-and-spoke model, with the central hub supported by additional youth spaces and programs delivered across other locations in the municipality.
Council will allocate up to $6 million across future budgets to support the detailed design and delivery of the facility, while continuing to advocate to the Victorian Government for additional funding support.
The project is a key priority in Council’s Advocacy Prospectus 2025–2029 and aligns with the Victorian Government’s Youth Hub Funding Program.
Further consultation with young people and the community will occur as part of the design process to ensure the facility reflects youth needs and priorities.
The Youth Hub aligns with Council’s Community Plan 2025–2029, Whittlesea 2040, YouthPlan2030+, and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, supporting mental health, social connection and opportunities for young people across the municipality.
Council will now commence further site investigations and concept designs for the new Youth Hub at the identified site.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“Young people are a vital part of our community, and it’s important that they have safe, welcoming spaces where they can connect, access support and explore opportunities for their future. This Youth Hub will help create a place where young people feel they belong and can thrive.
“As our city continues to grow, investing in spaces and services for young people is essential. This Youth Hub is about planning for the future - supporting wellbeing, strengthening community connections and ensuring young people have the opportunities they need to succeed.”