CR MARGARET O’Neill has called for a business plan before any decision is made to buy the old TAFE building.
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She successfully argued the case at Tuesday’s meeting where councillors were contemplating whether to purchase the building on the corner of Verner and Bourke Streets.
“I think we really need to investigate things first,” she said.
Council is considering the 1901 building, currently housing the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium, for a performing arts venue. A ceramics room would have to be adapted for the purpose.
The proposed purchase would also give the Con security of tenure, general manager Warwick Bennett said.
He recommended that Council write to TAFE Illawarra expressing interest in buying the building.
If accepted, only then would a valuer and building expert be engaged, at an estimated cost of $500, to come up with a figure and a condition report.
Councillors will consider these before deciding to buy.
But Cr O’Neill won support for a business plan as well. It will be considered with the other reports before Council commits.
Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk said this should be a “given,” regardless of Cr O’Neill’s motion.
The building’s acquisition could solve a long-standing problem for the city. Goulburn hasn’t had a large performing arts venue since sale of the council-owned Lilac Time Hall in 2000. The Eisteddfod Society has been forced to split categories across several venues and some dramatic groups have folded altogether.
Architect Garry Dutaillis has drawn up plans for adaptation of the Con’s ceramics room to seat 200 to 250 people. Total cost of the refit and technical additions would be $1.2 million to $1.5m, Mr Bennett said.
Some $733,000 remains in a council reserve from the hall sale proceeds and interest. The money was quarantined for a performance venue more than a decade ago.
Despite unanimous support to approach TAFE, councillors had their reservations.
“We’re looking at offloading an asset in Montague St (the former Mulwaree Shire offices) which has access problems,” Cr Andrew Banfield said.
“I understand the purchase of this building will give some security to the Con but I’d think it would have similar problems in terms of meeting (access) requirements.”
Mayor Geoff Kettle pointed out that in contrast to Montague St, the building already had tenants. But he acknowledged there was a “helluva” lot of homework to do first.
Cr Sam Rowland also urged caution.
“Asset rationalisation is one of our key goals,” he said.
“We struggle to sell things and now we’re looking to buy another one. I think we need to be careful.”