A new home for Gateways with all-inclusive hub planned for North Geelong
Staff have begun moving in to Gateways’ new North Geelong headquarters at the former Target site, marking an exciting new chapter for our organisation.
The move follows a long search for a site that could support Gateways’ growth and vision to create an all-abilities community hub.
Plans are underway to transform our new home into a beacon of inclusivity, with a gym, café and office spaces connecting people with disabilities with the wider community.
‘Gateways had been looking for a site to create a space that would offer our participants fantastic opportunities for innovative activities to meet their needs while building creative, welcoming, inclusive bridges to the community,’ says Gateways president Dr Bernie Jenner.
‘In the former Target site we have found this.’
In addition to office space for about 200 staff, the site at 12-14 Thompson Rd site will offer:
- Spacious, sensory-friendly and therapy-informed day program facilities,
- State-of-the-art therapy and recreation facilities, and
- A new community garden.
Through sub-tenant arrangements, the site will have:
- A gymnasium available to the public and specialising in training for people with disability,
- A café with outdoor play area,
- Office space for allied health and organisations seeking quality, functional space in an inclusive environment, and
- Catering, hospitality and packing facilities to support life skills and job ready training.
Gateways has signed a 10-year lease for the 3.8 hectare site with property owners Leaf Corporation.
Gateways chief executive officer Stephanie Gunn says the heart of the vision is ‘incidental and deliberate inclusion; across the site, not only with expertly-designed activities for participants but through everyday interactions between participants and the public.
‘Our vision is to help break down barriers, build strong community partnerships and offer Geelong a space that welcomes, values and supports every individual,’ Ms Gunn says.
As we have outgrown the beautiful office at Albert St the size of the new site means we can build more activities and supports for our participants and families to help you – or the people you care for – build skills, increase independence and achieve goals.
Our new home is easily accessed by public transport and has lots of car parking. We can’t wait to show you around!
Gateways is inviting other businesses who share our values and vision to come and share our wonderful new space. For more information or expressions of interest email community@gateways.com.au
(Photos: Geelong Advertiser)
