‘Creative thinking’ needed for this site

After a reported $80,000 external consultants’ report, numerous soul searching, breast beating and crazy ideas, Mt Alexander Shire  has now decided to sell the old Castlemaine Gaol.

They are now seeking Expressions of Interest.

Since November 2009, Council has been reviewing the options available to it for the old Gaol, and as a result, Council new wants to get rid of it.

Property advisory specialist, Bill Russell from Russell Harvey & Co was engaged to provide advice and recommendations to Council in regard to options for the sale of the property, delivering appropriate financial return, but with Council having influence over future community access to and use of the former gaol buildings and grounds.

“The ongoing costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the Gaol is beyond what this Council can manage,” said Cr Janet Cropley, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“This historic asset could thrive as either a tourism attraction or community hub with the right type of investment, hence we are now interested to find someone who is interested in such an investment. We are eager to find out what creative thinking could deliver for the site.”

The recent Old Castlemaine Gaol Asset Management Plan, prepared by FG Dixon, states that Council will need to spend in the order of $483,000 over the next ten year period to maintain the building in a serviceable condition. Within the first year, ie: 2010/11, Council will need to expend $78,200 on routine maintenance alone.These costs do not include other operating service costs such as electricity, gas, water and sewerage, insurance, cleaning, garden maintenance etc, the total sum of which would be close to $40,000 annually.

Additionally, a report prepared by JH Architects Pty Ltd in April 2007 indicated that between $3.83 million and $4.15 million was required to be spent if Council decided to undertake all of the works identified in the 1995 Conservation Management Plan.

Council will consider all expressions of interest received prior to inviting detailed proposals from a select list to ensure interested parties have the capacity to carry out the project.

“Council is committed to making the best decision for this community and for the maintenance of this significant heritage asset in the Shire,” said Cr Cropley.