By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) discussed options for locations that the Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Library could be moved to while construction is underway on the current site at last week’s information session.
Staff outlined three options which were reportedly chosen by Councillors at the private session held at the recent Connecting with Council meeting in Killarney. These options were the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, Stanthorpe Civic Centre, and the Stanthorpe Council Chambers.
In the meeting, staff outlined the history of the project, stating that they were awarded the Building Better Regions Funding (BBRF) in January 2022 to expand the current site.
The works will be undertaken over two years, with a project value of $4 million.
The design is reportedly almost complete, with a project manager engaged.
A tender for the construction is expected to be undertaken in April 2022, with construction commencing in July 2022.
The library and art gallery are required to vacate the premises starting in August or September of this year.
Staff outlined the three options for councillors at the meeting.
The first option, Stanthorpe Showgrounds’ Mezzanine Floor, reportedly may not be available in time for this years’ construction. There are also reported issues with TMR and QRail approvals as well as Fire Fighting Requirements.
The second option was listed as the Old Council Chambers, however, councillors did discuss the new chambers too.
The old chambers are currently occupied by Stanthorpe Senior Citizens, Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA), Ten FM, and Lifeline.
Stanthorpe Senior Citizen has a lease through to 2026, while Ten FM and Lifeline have an Agreement to Occupy through to 2024 and SDRC agreed to renew SDIEA’s lease in September 2021.
Regarding the new chambers, it was discussed that there are security issues at play when considering the use of this site.
The third option, Stanthorpe Civic Centre, presents issues are multiple groups regularly use the facility.
The presentation outlined that schools regularly use the facility for youth events, as well as events such as the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival at the start of the year, Eisteddfod in May, Snowflakes in Stanthorpe in July, and more.
Councillors did raise concerns about losing bookings for events if locals are forced to find alternatives during the construction period.
The presentation to councillors stated that there are approximately 50 bookings that would be unable to go ahead if this option is chosen and approximately $31k in lost revenue.
