Waratah-Wynyard Council is looking for the Preolenna Hall site to take on a new life and recently sought expressions of interest from the community for its future use.
Council considered the outcome of the expression of interest process at its January 2020 meeting and has resolved to commence a formal public land disposal process to sell the property.
Council has commenced negotiations with local chestnut farmers who propose to use the shed for chestnut storage and processing.
“This is a great outcome for both Council and the proposed new owners,” Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said.
“There were no regular users of the Hall and Council could not justify spending significant amounts for repairs on an underutilised asset.”
Whilst there are no immediate plans by the purchaser to undertake major works on the Hall, there are opportunities to further develop and expand the business including the potential inclusion of a commercial kitchen.
Having an appreciation of the historical value of the Hall to the community, the proposed purchaser is open to making the Hall accessible on request and has indicated that any future development would consider an element of community use.
The Preolenna Memorial and surrounds will be kept for public use and access and is not included in the public land disposal process.
The proposed contract of sale for the Hall will make allowance for continued public parking on the property including bus turning.
Given the property is listed on Council’s public land register, under Section 178 of the Local Government Act 1993 a notice must be published, and 21 days allowed for objections to be received. This process has commenced with a notice published in The Advocate on February 29, 2020 with another due to be published on March 4, 2020. Consideration of objections will be part of a report to Council at the April meeting.
Authorised for general media distribution by Shane Crawford, General Manager, Waratah- Wynyard Council on Monday, March 2, 2020.