Council purchases Target building

Published on 01 October 2019

Gilgandra Shire Council is pleased to announce the purchase of 30-32 Miller Street Gilgandra, previously the Target building.

Mayor, Doug Batten says,

“Following the announcement of the pending Target closure, the concerns of businesses and the wider community were brought to Council and workshopped for ways that Council could assist in revitalising the CBD and assisting local businesses through such a critical time we are seeing now.”

Adding,

“It is important that Gilgandra and our CBD remains resilient in the face of the current drought, as well as global, regional and local trends in terms of the changing face of retail.”

“Council is determined to work with our local businesses to tackle these challenges head on and be proactive in ensuring Gilgandra holds strength in its economic profile during this time.”

The space will open as a community space initially.

General Manager, David Neeves says

“Whilst long term planning is undertaken including consolidation of plans and grant funding contracts, Council will offer a temporary innovation, a community Hub, as part of a transformative change of the CBD.”

“Council would like to offer opportunities for start-up retailers to test the waters, a place for artists to exhibit their works, for small businesses to share co-working spaces where affordable facilities and a support network are provided.”

Adding,

“The aim is to encourage locals and visitors into the CBD for new and exciting reasons on a regular basis. The Hub will complement and support our existing business through increased visitation and facilitate new business and community ideas.”

“The ultimate goal of this Miller Street space is to create a once-in-a-generation opportunity of a new community asset, which will include Library services and may entail co-working spaces, learning, cultural expression, community rooms and outdoor space”, says Mr Neeves.

Council will have a draft Activation Plan that will be presented to the community for consultation and the aim will be to facilitate and incorporate as many ideas as possible.

Mayor Batten says,

“Committing to such a large space in our CBD is seen as a strategic investment for Council and Council is committed to turning this space into a strong, stable centrepiece at the heart of the Gilgandra Main Street.”

For more information, please contact Council on 6817 8800 or submit your questions online by visiting www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.

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Contact:         Kathryn Larkin

                        Community Engagement Officer

                        klarkin@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au

                        02 6817 8800