Yass Valley Council will host a community forum before making a decision on whether to purchase the Liberty Theatre.
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KEY POINTS:
- Councillors were recommended to vote against purchasing the Liberty Theatre for $500,000
- Council's decision has been postponed until the community has its say
- Owner Touie Smith says he's asked for a community consultation before
Councillors were recommended to vote against the purchase of $500,000 at council's ordinary meeting on Wednesday, February 27, but said they wanted to hear the community's thoughts first.
Councillor Jasmin Jones said the building could have benefits for the town's tourism and culture.
"An offer like this doesn't come up very often. We are being given a decision of yes or no and we need to have all the information first," Cr Jones said.
Cr Geoff Frost highlighted the significance of the building, saying the council was considering the purchase because it was "an iconic building".
In the words of 'Friends of the Liberty Theatre' member, Ian McClung, the building is a "Mona Lisa on the main street". The group was pleased with the council's decision.
We believe the theatre has a future and can reinvigorate the main street.
- Theatre owner, Touie Smith
The council said in its report that it had been approached to buy the building from owners Touie and Denise Smith, with the intention of restoring its former operation.
The report recommended against the purchase, on the basis that the council would need to "expend significant funds to restore the theatre to a useable state".
"This is evident by Mr Smith’s claim that he had set aside $2 million (and five years) for this project," the report said.
"The purchase of this building would also require council to set aside funding for continued management and maintenance, both of which are unknown at this time."
Deputy mayor Nathan Furry was the only councillor not to support a community forum, saying it was inappropriate to consult with the community about something the council didn't own yet.
"This does not address the proposal. We’re not dealing with the issue in front of us," Cr Furry said.
The council said it would ask Mr Touie's permission to hold a community forum. Speaking to the Tribune, Mr Smith said he was fine with the idea, but had suggested a community consultation previously.
"We believe the theatre has a future and can reinvigorate the main street," Mr Smith said.
A date for the community forum is yet to be set.
