24/12/2009 - Public comment invited on Slade Business Plan
The Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking community comment after adoption of the Draft Slade Business Plan at its December General Meeting.
Mayor Ron Bellingham said that while the Business Plan drafted by Consultants, AEC Group supports Council’s vision to dispose of the entire site for residential purposes, it does offers three alternative options for comment.
“This plan is the result of an extensive investigation process that considered many options for the site,” Cr Bellingham said.
“This is the chance for the community to tell Council what we should do with Slade. The three scenarios put forward by the consultant are not a comprehensive list and we would welcome any additional feedback.”
The three alternative options offered by the consultant are:
Option A (land sale for residential purposes):
Northern block:
- Residential subdivision including subdividing the oval.
Southern block:
- Residential subdivision comprising the Hall and Roberts precincts;
- Sale of Heritage precinct as is;
- Residential subdivision comprising the Pool precinct; and
- Single commercial block comprising the Prince precinct or Council use as a storage facility.
Option B (land sale for residential purposes + Council retains Heritage precinct):
Northern Block:
- Residential subdivision including subdividing the oval.
Southern block:
- Residential subdivision comprising the Hall and Roberts precincts;
- Council retention of Heritage precinct;
- Residential subdivision comprising the Pool precinct; and
- Single commercial block comprising the Prince precinct or Council use as a storage facility.
Option C (residential + commercial land sale + Council retains Heritage precinct):
Northern Block:
- Residential subdivision including subdividing the oval; and
- A commercial block at the corner of Horsman Road and Weewondilla Road.
Southern block:
- Single commercial block comprising the Hall and Roberts precincts;
- Council retention of Heritage precinct;
- Single commercial block comprising the Pool precinct; and
- Single commercial block comprising the Prince precinct or Council use as a storage facility.
Cr Bellingham acknowledged that the Council’s primary objective is to return the capital invested in the campus land and buildings.
“However if Council is unable to sell the Heritage precinct, which includes Slade House, Roberts house, the chapel and science block, Council could continue to operate the heritage buildings as a community facility,” he said.
Cr Bellingham stressed that Council had not made any firm decision on the future of Slade at this stage.
Copies of the Draft Slade Business Plan are available for inspection at Council’s Warwick and Stanthorpe offices, as well as regional libraries.
An electronic copy can also be downloaded using the following link:
Comment on the Slade Business Plan closed 31st January 2010.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Tracy Vellacott
Corporate Communications Officer
(07) 4661 0305
