What do you want your civic precinct to look like?

What do you want your civic precinct to look like?

Council has commenced the process of identifying key infrastructure priorities to service the Yass Valley’s rapidly growing population.

In February 2020, Council endorsed the following ‘wish list’ and resolved to undertake planning and design work so the projects would be ‘shovel ready’ in the event of grant funding opportunities:

Council Civic Precinct (including new library). Yass War Memorial Swimming Pool redevelopment. Murrumbateman Community Hall. Amenities at the Yass Pool/Skate Park, Murrumbateman and Yass CBDs. New Companion Animals Facility. Parks and playgrounds upgrades. Bike Park, Adventure Playground and Yass River activation. Memorial Hall. Murrumbateman Dog Park.

“Council has identified a number of infrastructure projects for the Yass Valley and these priorities are in addition to several major projects that have already commenced, including the Yass Water Supply Pipeline, a new water treatment plant, timber bridge replacement program, Nanima Road upgrade and Murrumbateman Winery Trail,” said Council’s General Manager, Chris Berry.

“Of these projects, Council has identified the Yass Pool redevelopment, Civic Precinct and Murrumbateman Community Hall as the main priorities for the preparation of ‘shovel ready’ plans.

“Money has been allocated in the 2020/21 budget for these plans, which once completed, will provide for more detailed cost information and clear funding options.”

Several Council workshops have been held and councillors have concluded that a new Yass Valley Council Civic Precinct should include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

New library (purpose built to reflect contemporary design and operation. NSW Government grants are available to assist with the overall project cost through the State Library program). Community meeting rooms and exhibition spaces. eCommerce small business centre/work hub (a contemporary networked facility that can be utilised for Council administration and community meetings but flexible enough for use by businesses within Yass Valley that do not have access to modern facilities and equipment). Office accommodation. Short term accommodation for Council contractors to reduce the cost of motel accommodation to Council (acknowledging this need will be ongoing due to the geographic location of Yass). Long term government tenants (e.g. Service NSW) to offset loan costs through a new income stream. Retention of Crago’s Mill. Open area/plaza.

“Council also examined several sites, including the former saleyards site, Goodradigbee Centre, former Landmark building and the Commercial Hotel site. Council selected the current Administration Building site at 209 Comur Street due to its central location and available land,” Mr Berry said.

Council has now decided to seek Expressions of Interest from appropriately qualified designers to assist in the development of project plans.

Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey said Council is keen to understand if the elements for inclusion in the Civic Precinct meet community needs and expectations – now and into the future.

“The current administration building and the library are both not fit for purpose and Council has a responsibility to its employees, and the community, to bring these buildings up to modern standards. Council wants the community to be involved in this design process. Your feedback is integral and will be provided to the successful designer for consideration in the development of plans.”

Mr Berry said preparing plans will assist in providing a clearer picture of the expected costs, which in turn will inform the financial arrangements to deliver the project if Council decides to proceed.

“Grant opportunities and income from surplus land sales will be considered as offsets to the project costs,” Mr Berry said.

Submissions from the community on the preferred location (209 Comur Street), and the scope of works (as listed above) are invited in writing:

There is currently no end date on submissions.

There will be further opportunity for community input during the formal design phase. The final plan will be put to Council for endorsement prior to any development approval.

8 September 2020

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