While the demolition of the highly anticipated youth hub was a tragic outcome for the community, there has been a silver lining, with more than 95 per cent of materials recycled.
The Cardinia Youth Hub in James Street was plagued by a series of unfortunate events.
During 2024, structural defects were discovered which had followed on from lengthy delays when the project’s builder subsequently went into liquidation.
This led to construction being scrapped altogether, with the site sitting partially constructed for months.
At the time of the discovery, the Gazette was told that the footing of the building had been ‘undersized’, compromising the whole site and for the works to continue, the existing structure would have to be demolished and started from the beginning.
The $6.3m project had initially begun in early 2022, and was scheduled to be completed by December that year.
Cardinia Shire Council authorised an investigation into the site to prepare for a new builder, yet the findings came back declaring severe issues with the structural integrity of the site that made the partial building dangerous and doomed it to a demolition.
Advice from specialists had recommended the partially constructed centre be demolished and rebuilt, due to the higher cost associated with rectification works and not being able to ensure the current building would obtain warranty and insurance coverage.
Fast forward to 2025, the site was demolished.
But fortunately, more than 99.5 per cent of the materials were able to be recycled.
“Cardinia Shire Council is pleased that more than 99.5 per cent of materials recovered from the partially constructed Youth Hub during demolition of the building in February are able to be recycled,” Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said.
“This is a great outcome for the demolition, with more than 1,280 tonnes of concrete and 28 tonnes of steel diverted from landfill and sent to recycling facilities. Other materials, such as asphalt and timber were also able to be recycled.
“Cardinia Shire Council remains committed to supporting our young people. Council is progressing next steps and is expected to commence the tender process for design and construction soon. Council is continuing to seek legal advice on any appropriate action that may be taken by Council on behalf of the community against those responsible for the outcome of this critical project.”
The Youth Hub project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government, Federal Government and council.
