A historic Ararat hall could receive a new lease of life thanks to the Ararat Musical Comedy Society’s proposal to lease it from Ararat Rural City Council.
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The Alex and Jemima McDonald Centre has been at the heart of the Ararat community, hosting 21st birthdays, weddings and other functions, since it was built in the 1950s.
Despite being in good condition, it does not meet many of the modern design requirements, including disabled access.
A recommendation to Ararat Rural City’s March general meeting proposed council enter lease negotiations with the comedy society.
Public feedback on a report outlining details of the lease, including any objections to the proposal, will be brought to council before a lease is finalised.
Council chief executive Andrew Evans said to make the building open for public use would require $650,000, which was why a lease arrangement with a community group would be a good option.
“For the building to be utilised for public entertainment, in other words for somebody to hold a function to which the public are entitled to attend, there are certain things that must been done for us to allow that to happen,” he said.
“What we are looking to do is remove the maintenance requirement on council.
“Part of the requirement of a lease agreement would be saying to the group, ‘you have to maintain the facility’.”
Council first called for public ideas on using the centre in July, 2014.
Fourteen people representing potential user groups formed a re-use committee for the site in 2015, with only the comedy society maintaining interest.
Cr Gwenda Allgood opposed the motion and said she was gutted council would consider giving the building to just one organisation.
“I am still upset this has gone down the track it has gone, to be told now that it can be used when we were told it will cost $650,000 to fix,” she said.
“I loved this building my whole life, I don't see how at this stage we can give it to one organisation, it just appalls me.”
Cr Peter Beales said the lease would still need final approval, and the public have a say on the issue.
“This is not making a decision to say they will get the lease,” he said.
“The decision will be made after it is advertised and the public and other groups can have their say.
“It is not a done deal.”
