Historic building back on offer

PLANS on what to do with the former municipal offices at Linton are back up in the air after a group formed to help guide the future of the space didn’t come to a decision.

As a result, Golden Plains Shire is again calling out for potential users of the building with a second round of expressions of interest.

This time a number of spaces within the Sussex Street building are on offer including the old council chamber and entrance space, a kitchen, office spaces and reception area, health and art rooms and storage spaces.

“The Linton Shire Hall has a prominent place in the heart of Linton, and council is looking for enthusiastic locals to help ensure the historic building is an active and vibrant community facility,” said mayor Cr Helena Kirby.

“The committee will manage and activate the facility, including facilitating community bookings and room usage.

“This time round, community members can express their interest in the whole building or individual parts of the hall, such as the council chamber or arts room.”

In January this year eight community members joined a group that was looking into the building’s future, however a statement released by the Shire said, “The group did not resolve to form a committee of management,” and as such the search for users of the space has begun again.

The move to have locals drive the future of what were the old Shire of Grenville offices came after an original expression of interest process was undertaken in December last year.

The building was recently the site of a Golden Plains Shire office before being closed and services relocated to the Well at Smythesdale.

Before the pandemic Golden Plains Shire council meetings were also held in the chamber every second month.

The current round of expressions of interest for the space close 26 November.

“If you are committed to ensuring the Linton Shire Hall is active and accessible to the community, please apply to join the new committee of management,” Cr Kirby said.

“Council looks forward to establishing the new committee in 2022 and a successful future for the Linton Shire Hall.”