AN empty community hall in Capel Sound has been gutted by fire, with police investigating the blaze as suspicious.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the building fire that occurred about 3.30am on 28 January at Vern Wright Reserve on Eliza St.
Victoria Police confirmed no one was inside the building at the time, but The News understands the building has previously been used by squatters. The hall had remained disused for more than a year with fire crews having attended previous fire incidents.
“The circumstances of the fire are yet to be determined but it is believed to be suspicious,” a police spokesperson said.
Fire crews found the building well alight on arrival, with the blaze taking just over an hour to bring under control.
“Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a 15m by 10m single storey building fully involved with fire,” an FRV spokesperson said.
“The roof of the building collapsed, and firefighters attacked the fire externally as it was too dangerous to enter the structure.”
CFA brigades from Rosebud, Rye, Dromana, Boneo also helped contain the blaze.
In a statement, Mornington Peninsula Shire said, “Capel Sound Community Hall was substantially destroyed by fire in the early hours of Tuesday. The hall had been unoccupied since late 2024 after significant structural issues were detected. More recently, it was boarded up and fenced with temporary fencing due to challenges with rough sleepers”.
The shire confirmed the hall had been closed “due to significant deterioration, including failed load-bearing stumps, extensive asbestos and non-compliance with building safety standards”.
“An independent engineer’s structural assessment concluded the hall had reached the end of its useful life and was unsafe for occupation,” the shire said.
Council also noted the hall was “one of several community venues in the area, with nearby alternatives including Seawinds Community Hub, Rosebud Memorial Hall, Rosebud Senior Citizens Centre, Tootgarook Community Hall, Rye Civic Hall and Rye Senior Citizens Centre”.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 3 February 2026