Australia’s First Pride Centre Is Coming To St Kilda

17 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. It will serve as a hub for LGBTI groups and organisations, sharing ideas and resources to further their work in supporting equality, diversity and inclusion across the state.

Port Phillip Council is excited its bid for St Kilda to be the location for the new Victorian Pride Centre has been successful after a competitive selection process.

Council proposes to commit a significant investment valued at approximately $13 million, to support the establishment of a new Victorian Pride Centre in Fitzroy Street and drive community wide benefits.

Council’s investment will help create an iconic site in the heart of St Kilda.

The planned redevelopment will provide the new Centre with desirable street frontage and will be a major drawcard for visitors and locals alike.

Mayor Bernadene Voss said the new Victorian Pride Centre will accelerate the rejuvenation of Fitzroy Street and bring considerable cultural, social and economic benefits to St Kilda and the wider community.

“The Pride Centre will contribute to the proud and continuing history of Victoria’s LGBTIQ communities and will be warmly embraced by the people of St Kilda and Port Phillip more broadly,” Cr Voss said.

“This landmark development is set to make a proud architectural statement with flow-on benefits to our truly inclusive community for many years to come.

“Our investment in the Pride Centre is based on the enduring benefits not only to the much-loved members of Victoria’s LBGTIQ community who will use it and the visitors who will come; but also to local residents, traders, artists and customers to Fitzroy Street,” Cr Voss said.

“Securing the Centre here also delivers on Council’s community-focused objectives of urban renewal in the precinct; providing a safe social, cultural and political hub for LGBTIQ members; attracting more tourists and visitors to St Kilda; and facilitating a destination that can create new local jobs.

“In all, it is expected to deliver an additional $46 million of socio-economic benefits to the precinct over the next 20 years and provide capacity for health care, advisory and support services for LGBTIQ members.”

Source: City of Port Phillip