- Published:
- Thursday 16 March 2017
The Australian first Pride Centre is another step closer to becoming reality, with the Andrews Labor Government announcing it will be based at 79-81 Fitzroy Street in St Kilda.
Extensive consultation period was conducted with the LGBTI community to identify what was the important elements of a successful Pride Centre, particularly around location, and this feedback was factored in to the decision to choose St Kilda.
The St Kilda site was successful as it was vacant and was offered on a freehold basis to the Victorian Pride Centre on behalf of the LGBTI community, provided it operates there for the next 20 years.
The Labor Government has invested $15 million toward the Pride Centre which will be bigger than San Francisco’s LGBTI Community Centre.
It was the centrepiece of the Government’s $29 million Victorian Budget 16/17 package that continued record investment in services and facilities for LGBTI Victorians.
It is expected works on the site will begin within the next twelve months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley
“The Pride Centre is long overdue – it is exciting news for the LGBTI community and yet another welcome addition to St Kilda.”
“Our LGBTI community has a lot to be proud of, I congratulate everyone involved and we looking forward to see the site come to life.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Pride Centre Board Jude Munro AO
“We will own this site in perpetuity – and march by it every Pride March knowing it is ours.”