Surf Coast Shire accepts offer for 25 Grossmans Road

Written by Administrator

Following the recent Expression of Interest process related to the sale of the Surf Coast Shire’s property located at 25 Grossmans Road, Torquay, Council voted on Wednesday night to accept Torquay Christian Fellowship’s offer to purchase some of the land and associated assets.

According to Mayor Dean Webster, Council will now enter into a conditional contract to sell approximately 1.62 hectares of land, which includes the current shire office building and some of the portables, to Torquay Christian Fellowship.

“Wednesday night’s important decision is the first step in the process of selling this land parcel to Torquay Christian Fellowship. Council is now required (under the Local Government Act) to give notice of our intention to sell the land and invite public submissions relating to the proposed sale,” explained Cr Webster.

“After the 28-day submission period, Council will consider all submissions and, pending the outcomes of this part of the process, move to finalise contractual arrangements with the buyer.

“Torquay Christian Fellowship’s offer also requires Council to sub-divide the land in question to create the 1.62-hectare allotment.

“This leaves a second allotment of approximately one-hectare, which currently houses the shire’s works depot. In light of the limited interest in the property due to its current zoning as Special Use Zone 4, Council is intending to rezone this land with the intention of permitting future residential development,” he said.

Cr Webster said that Council’s acceptance of Torquay Christian Fellowship’s offer was based on more than financial considerations.

“Council was particularly impressed by the way Torquay Christian Fellowship’s bid met our mandatory physical requirements and, more importantly, our social objectives,” he said.

“The written submission identified a number of significant community benefits, including the creation of a new early learning and day care centre, the expansion of existing services, free space for community groups and local employment opportunities.”

Pending the outcomes of the statutory process, Cr Webster said the sale proceeds would be allocated to the new Surf Coast Community and Civic Precinct.

“Council is effectively realising one community asset to invest in another community asset,” he explained.