The Glenorchy City Council will consider transferring the former Golden Years Club building to the Salvation Army at its meeting on Monday night, paving the way for the establishment of a youth hub in the city’s CBD.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said following an expression of interest process for the former Golden Years Club building on Main Road, the Salvation Army was selected as the preferred organisation to take over the building.
“The Salvation Army’s proposal included a transfer of their current building in the Glenorchy CBD to the council, allowing it to relocate its services to the Main Road site.
“This would provide the council with a unique opportunity to establish a youth hub at the current Salvation Army building in Terry Street, fulfilling one of the council’s strategic objectives and provide a base for improved youth services.”
The council would be required to make an adjustment payment to the Salvation Army depending on the value of its Terry Street building.
“Unfortunately, the Golden Years Club building was not suitable for a youth hub, but the Terry Street building, with its proximity to the CBD and the council offices, would make an ideal base for youth services to be delivered.
“Importantly, the proposal secures the ongoing provision of the important services that the Salvation Army provides to the Glenorchy community,” Mayor Hickey said.
Council officers have recommended the council pursue an agreement with the Salvation Army to transfer the buildings.
An expression of interest was initiated for the site after the Golden Years Club decided to wind up at the end of last year due to falling membership and volunteer numbers, despite the council providing rent relief and other assistance.
At its meeting on Monday Council will also consider the transfer of a parcel of land at 318 Main Road, which is the vacant hillside behind Eady Street Reserve, to Homes Tasmania.
Mayor Hickey said, if approved by Council, the land would be sold to Homes Tasmania at a price determined by the Valuer General and used to build medium density housing.
In line with Council policy the proceeds from the sale will be allocated to Council’s Property Disposal Reserves Fund, which is set aside for improving or buying public open space within Glenorchy
“Council is strongly committed to increasing the amount of housing stock in our municipal area, and identifying land that is surplus to the council’s requirements and having it converted into housing is a key component of this strategy.
“This parcel of land is effectively land locked, but transferring to Homes Tasmania, which already has adjoining property, will unlock its potential to provide more homes.
“Pleasingly, Homes Tasmania has agreed to maintain a public walkway through the block to ensure people can continue to access the Eady Street sports grounds from Bowden Street,” she said.