Mayor Bob Kirk is not convinced the former Goulburn Furniture Warehouse will make a suitable community centre for the city.
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Councillors inspected the building earlier this month to check what work would be needed to accommodate community services moved out of the McDermott Centre.
“I don’t see it as a potential site,” Cr Kirk said.
“It could be something big and wonderful but the owner has a DA in for a childcare facility and that would probably be a better use. It’s a big old place and I can see too much money will need to be spent.”
The Mayor believed there were better options but this was his personal opinion only and the matter would be decided by the full council.
Councillors also inspected the former council depot in Bourke Street. This was due to be sold to help pay for the consolidation of all depots in Hetherington Street. But recently, general manager Warwick Bennett said it could be explored.
Cr Kirk told the Post that Bourke Street offered the better option of those he had seen so far. A report on all alternatives will come back to councillors for consideration.
In the meantime, all McDermott Centre services have moved into refurbished space in the former Huntly Arcade building. The council has entered into five-year lease at an annual $140,000 rent. However, it is looking for a permanent home for services and other community groups such as U3A and the Gem Society.