November 7th, 2026Duke Street building not fit for purpose

Hepburn Shire Council’s Duke Street building in Daylesford is no longer fit for purpose.

Council staff based at the office will be relocated to other workplaces, including 24 Vincent Street, the Daylesford depot and the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre during this month and next.

Interim CEO Janet Dore said council’s customer service channels would not be impacted by the move.

There will be no change to Duke Street services for planning, building and customer service until mid-December when staff will relocate to the rear of the visitor information centre with community entry via a walkway and side door.

Until the end-of-year closure a small customer service presence will be retained at Duke Street to assist with the transition.

The economic development team, currently located at the visitor information centre, will temporarily relocate to the Duke Street office during building works at the centre.

Ms Dore said investigations undertaken earlier this year identified a range of building condition issues at Duke Street, with significant reinvestment required to meet the council’s future workplace needs.

“It has become an occupational health and safety issue, and it was decided to close and decommission the building rather than undertake substantial remediation works. This move also means a more effective and efficient use of council office spaces,” Ms Dore said.

The future of the Duke Street building will be something the council will consider over the coming months.

A media release said the council would keep the community informed on the project, including specific service moving dates, through its website, social media, Hepburn Life and other publications.

External signage will also be displayed to redirect customers.