As part of the 2006 election campaign, Labor promised to "provide a new home for the Women's Circus as part of the redevelopment of the Footscray Community Arts Centre".

While the centre's $2.75million redevelopment is under way, no provision has been made to house the circus there. It is still sharing half of the drill hall on Barkly Street with arts company Snuff Puppets.

General manager Dianne Toulson said the drill hall wasn't supposed to become a permanent home for the circus after it was moved from the arts centre in 2006 because the space was too small. The ceiling was too low and there was no heating or cooling.

As the only women's circus in Victoria, it trains 200 women each week and has another 200 on a waiting list.

More than 100 of its members perform throughout the year, culminating in a major annual show that must be held at high cost elsewhere.

Ms Toulson said the circus would love to double the number of classes it held and increase its outreach services to the community but could not do so with its existing space.

"We're desperately seeking a purpose-built space. Of course, it all comes down to money and the lack of it. A lot of people are saying we're aware of it and are looking into it, but noone is taking action."

A Department of Community Development spokeswoman said the arts centre redevelopment, funded by the State Government, included a multipurpose community arts space that would be available to a range of groups. "Any inquiries regarding the usage of this facility and proposed tenant agencies, including the Women's Circus, should be directed to Maribyrnong Council."