MILLICENT could have its most expensive public building ever if Wattle Range Council adopts a staff recommendation at tonight’s monthly meeting to allocate $3.5m for a new or refurbished office.
Chief executive Ben Gower was directed by council last month to explore various office options and his nine-page report forms part of the meeting agenda.
It also lists another staff report on the proposed $307,000 redevelopment of the entrance foyer of the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre after a decision was deferred at the March monthly meeting.
As a remarkable coincidence, Robe District Council is considering a staff report at its monthly meeting tonight about a proposal to incorporate a new council office, public toilets and sporting complex at the current site of the Robe Bowling Club on the very edge of Guichen Bay.
In his report, Mr Gower said refurbishment and extension costs of the current council office were high and demolition and re-building was an option.
Mr Gower also suggested greenfield sites at Centennial Park, the front lawn of the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre and the former railway land fronting Adelaide Road and Cattlebridge Road.
According to Mr Gower, the purchase and refurbishment of the former Millicent and District Community Club was a possibility as well as demolition and re-building of the Davenport Street complex.
Mr Gower has detailed the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of the various options and put forward various recommendations for consideration of council.
“This report seeks further guidance from council on its preferred site option before committing to the development of any concept plans,” Mr Gower said.
He has sought council authorisation for him to commission an initial concept plan for a new council office at one of the sites.
Furthermore, Mr Gower has recommended council allocates $3.5m to the long-term financial plan for the design and construction of an upgraded/new council office.
In his report, Mr Gower notes the estimated cost to refurbish and extend the current and outdated 1930s-era council office on George Street was in excess of $3.3m.
