Community groups may have a new home

Community groups in Batemans Bay may be temporarily using the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club if Mayor Lindsay Brown gets support from his fellow councillors to lease it out for short term use at next Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Councillor Brown announced today that he will put the idea to the vote at next week’s meeting through a mayoral minute.

“We have some dedicated and passionate groups in our community who are willing to make sure this important building presents a vibrant and welcoming face to both the local community and visitors, while Council and the community work together to plan its eventual future, and I am giving them my full support ,’ said Clr Brown.

Council purchased the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club site in April and invited the community to share their ideas for the precinct. At the same time Council also invited experienced developers and interested parties to express their interest in partnering with Council to prepare a masterplan and redevelop the precinct which includes the former club site, swimming pool and Mackay Park sporting fields.

Submissions closed on 10 June and Councillor Brown said that it’s unlikely that works relating to a plan or development on the site will be happening in the next 6 months.

“Community groups asked me if the building could be used under a short term arrangement and I see no reason why we can’t do this for our community.  I will be asking the General Manager to investigate any relevant legal, financial occupational health and safety matters around offering a short term lease on the building with the aim of being ready to start an expression of interest process as soon as we can.

“I am also asking for an Open Day at the site on Saturday 16 July between 11am and 3pm so that interested community groups can assess the building’s current condition, and if and how they might use it either in part or in full.

We will take possession of the site on 8 July and staff can make as assessment of its condition for a short term lease, and prepare a preliminary report for interested parties,” said Clr Brown.

Clr Brown said that if his recommendation is supported at next week’s council meeting he will write to community groups and let them know.