The Glenorchy City Council has voted to transfer the former Golden Years Club building to the Salvation Army, paving the way for the establishment of a youth hub in the city’s CBD.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the decision followed an expression of interest process for the Main Road building where 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, which will allow it to relocate its services from Terry Street to the Main Road site.
“This provides 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 will be required to make an adjustment payment to the Salvation Army depending on the value of its Terry Street building.
Mayor Hickey said prior to Council initiating an EoI process for the Main Road site, investigations had determined the building was not suitable for the development of a youth hub,
“However, the Salvation Army’s Terry Street building, with its proximity to the CBD and the council offices, will make an ideal base for youth services to be delivered.
“Importantly, the Salvation Army has committed to negotiating with existing tenants of the former Golden Years Club building, as well as continue delivering its highly valued services to people in need,” Mayor Hickey said.
She said Council was hopeful the transfer process could be completed within 12 months
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.
Council also voted in favour of transferring part of the Eady Street Reserve to Homes Tasmania to build medium density housing.
“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.