History

Jan ’16 – LGBTIQ+ Consultation // Surveys, interviews, open community consultation sessions.
Apr ’16 – $15 million // Victorian government approves feasibility and announces funds in state budget.
Oct ’16 – XYX Lab Workshop // @ MADA. What does a pride centre look like?
Nov ’16 – EOI Released // Councils and universities within 8km of CBD.
Dec ’16 – EOI From 3 Councils // Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra
Jan ’17 – EOI Evaluation // Independent committee evaluates EOI submissions.
Feb ’17 – Site Selection // EOI evaluation completed. Unanimous vote.
March ’17 – Location Announced // Fitzroy St, St. Kilda
May ’17 – Business Case Approved // Victorian Government approves the Pride Centre business case, a major step towards the release of the $15 million contribution.
June ’17 – Virtual Presence Launched // Victorian Pride Centre launches its online virtual presence, supporting isolated and rural LGBTIQ+ young people.
Nov ’17 – Architectural Design Competition // Four of Australia’s top design practices were shortlisted to enter the second and final stage of the Victorian Pride Centre Design Competition.
Jan ’18 – Pride Centre Design Selected // St Kilda-based firms Grant Amon Architects and Brearley Architects and Urbanists are the winners of the Pride Centre design competition.
Jul ’18 – City of Port Phillip Consultations // City of Port Phillip undertake community consultation on Proposed Amendment C149 to facilitate the delivery of the Victorian Pride Centre.
Sep ’18 – Victorian Pride Centre new Logo Launched // The Victorian Pride Centre launches new look and feel to reflect the diversity, vibrancy and strength of LGBTIQ+ communities.
Nov ’18 – Planning Scheme Approved // Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning announces approval of the City of Port Phillip’s request for Amendment C149.
Nov ’18 – Construction Tender Released // In June, the VPC undertook an Expression of Interest process. Four construction companies have now received construction tender documentation.
Jan ’19 – Construction Contract Awarded // Hansen Yuncken is selected to build the Victorian Pride Centre after a comprehensive tender evaluation process assessed a number of highly competitive bids.
Apr ’19 – Demolition of Existing Site // Demolition of the Monroe’s restaurant and surrounding area in preparation for construction.
May ’19 – Construction Begins // Construction of the Pride Centre is set to begin.
May ’19 – Pride Centre Website V2.0 // Pride Centre Website V2.0 is released with enhanced resource directory and statewide events calendar.
Late ’19 – Foundation Works Completed // Foundation works completed and suspended structure works begin.
Mid ’20 – Completion of Structure
Mid ’20 – Fit Out Works // Fit Out of internal spaces begin.
Late ’20 – Fit Out Completed // Fit out completed and building handed over to the Victorian Pride Centre.
Late ’20 – Resident Organisations and Tenants // Resident Organisations and Tenants move in.
July ’21 – Official Opening // Special guests and speakers celebrated the launch of the Victorian Pride Centre with a gala event on July 11, 2021.
July-August ’21 – Centre Opens to the public // The Victorian Pride Centre is briefly open to the public before COVID-19 restrictions are re-introduced.
November ’21 – The Victorian Pride Centre re-opens to the public // The completed VPC re-opened its doors on November 5.