Riordan wants more talks on Winchelsea hall

POLWARTH Liberal MP Richard Riordan has waded into the debate about the future of the former Winchelsea Shire Hall, calling for the Surf Coast Shire to have “open and sensible” consultations with the community.

The Surf Coast Shire, as landlord of the building, wants to increase the amount of rent it charges for use of the building, and has been at an impasse with the existing tenant (who uses it as the Winchelsea Tea Rooms) for several months.

The council argues it is “unable to subsidise a private business in a competitive market” and resolved in October that the existing lease should end in April.

Following community backlash from the hall’s user groups, the council then resolved to offer to extend the lease of the hall’s existing tenant at the same rate until September 30, and to establish the Former Winchelsea Shire Hall Community
Working Group, which will provide a report by the end of July.

However, the tenant has not accepted the offer, and the hall will be closed on April 30 but remain available for bookings.

A public meeting at the hall last week attracted about 120 people.

Mr Riordan has launched a survey on the issue, and said his office had already received more than 100 replies “from concerned community members who are devastated at the proposed changes to a much loved and historical public building”.

“There is no doubt that the community of Winchelsea is determined to fight for the current lease arrangement to continue as is and for there to be a fair rental arrangement offered by the Surf Coast Shire Council that will allow the lessee to continue to run her business.

“The Winchelsea Tea Rooms is so much more than a café. It is a place for community to gather, a monument to past Shire Councillors and the history of Winchelsea and an important building that provides a space for reflection and rest for locals and visitors.

“I look forward to more open and sensible community consultation to ensure that the importance of a historical and welcoming space such as the Winchelsea Tea Rooms and the wishes of the local community are not overlooked when decisions are made as to its future.”