Formally home to the Country Women’s Association, the building has been vacant since the local CWA branch went into recess in April 2022.
With no improvement in membership interest by the end of the same year, the CWA approached council to take over their Crown Lands licence.
The application for transfer was approved in 2023.
A report to last week’s council meeting suggested that due to interest, now would be the ideal time to seek interest in regular use of the building.
“In recent years, the demand for community spaces has increased, with various local organisations expressing interest in securing venues for meetings, activities, and events,” the report said.
“Given the significance of the CWA building as a community asset, it is appropriate for council to seek expressions of interest to ensure the facility is activated in a manner that aligns with community needs and council’s strategic objective.”
While historically the building was used by community groups, council CEO Jack Bond said council would also consider interest from businesses wishing to use the building as a commercial space.
Council said it would consider lease, licence or user agreement options, subject to negotiations.
It is anticipated the user will be responsible for ongoing operational and maintenance costs, but council would cover the necessary cleaning, maintenance and work, health and safety inspections and condition assessments before occupancy.
Mayor Ashley Hall said councillors and senior staff inspected the building before Tuesday’s meeting, and said it appears to be in reasonable condition thanks to refurbishments in the past few years.
“It will need a good clean up, but there is great potential there for someone who wants to utilise it.
“It’s in a great location, too.”
Council has advertised the opening of expressions of interest with local media and on social media.
EOIs open today.
More information on how to submit can be found in today’s Local Classifieds.
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