by Luke Voogt
Geelong’s former post office could host start-ups or micro businesses after council voted to sell or lease the historic building this week.
The decision comes more than a year since council first declared intent to sell the 128-year-old building last May.
Council voted unanimously on the building’s future on Tuesday night despite a 1000-person petition to keep it in public hands.
Mayor Bruce Harwood said the sale or lease would give the building “new life” following “extensive community consultation”.
City Hall used the building as an office after buying it in 1994 with an interest-free $670,000 State Government loan, which remains unpaid.
Council workers vacated the building last year with City Hall to consolidate its central Geelong offices into a $91 million headquarters.
Cr Harwood could not give a likely price or time frame for the sale at this “early” stage, he said.
But the price must be at least that provided by an independent valuer, he said.
“The first thing (council will) consider in any proposal will be the use of the building and whether it complements the surrounding civic and cultural precinct.”
Cr Harwood did not name any parties interested in the sale.
But a submission to council proposes a public-private partnership for the building to host an office with “hot desks” for start-ups, micro businesses and creatives.
The submitter, unidentified in council documents, states their willingness to “negotiate” on a sale.
Council approved an amendment by councillor Jim Mason adding the option of leasing the building and extra measures to protect its heritage.
The conditions of sale already required the future tenant or owner to adhere to a conservation management plan and for Heritage Victoria to approve any changes to the building.
But Lex Chalmers, who led the 1000-signature petition, warned the conditions provided no “permanent protection” for the building.
“A couple of speakers at the council meeting pointed out that those agreements – which are a type of covenant – can be overturned quite easily,” she said.
“We’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on any development.”
Ms Chalmers has previously suggested council use the building as a gallery, a children’s museum or a design centre.
“The community has spoken about wonderful potential uses that council hasn’t listened to,” she said.
But she welcomed Cr Mason’s amendment and said the petition had raised heritage in “council’s consciousness”.
“I agree it is possible to use it in private hands well.”
