AFTER more than six years of fist pumping, street banners and howls of protest, Corio residents no longer have to visualise their community hall.
The new Hendy Street Hall has opened to the public after a fire destroyed the previous facility in June, 2000.
Merv Primmer, who helped lead the rebuilding push, said he initially doubted Corio would ever see a new hall.
Council departments initially gave him the “run around” and adequate funding was doubtful due to a shortfall in insurance on the previous hall.
But Save the Hendy Street Hall committee eventually won its long battle.
Mr Primmer said a range of cash-strapped clubs and committees could now return to the “absolutely fantastic” new hall.