ONE of Bendigo’s well-known businessmen has urged the community to become involved in the debate surrounding new offices for the City of Greater Bendigo council staff.
Simon Mulqueen believes the council should look at all options for the development, expected to cost $27 million.
Mr Mulqueen’s plan is to move the council offices from near one of the city’s most historic buildings to next to another one.
He said council should sell its prime Lyttleton Terrace site and move out of the CBD.
"Council can use the sale proceeds of its CBD site to develop new council offices behind the Fortuna Villa building on the substantial area available there," he said.
"As has already been mooted, council could receive the site from the federal government for the princely sum of $1.
"This is a site the community feels strongly about protecting for the use of future generations of Bendigonians.
"Council can then use the sale proceeds of the CBD site to develop new council offices behind the Fortuna Villa on the substantial area available there."
Mr Mulqueen said the plan would be a win-win situation.
"Council functions and civic receptions could be held at either the Town Hall or the Fortuna Villa site, both of which would project a spectacular impression of the city’s heritage to visiting dignitaries," he said.
"At the same time the local community would retain these magnificent assets and get to see them on a regular basis."
Mr Mulqueen said there was no need for all council staff to be in the CBD. "For the convenience of residents, an office for access to council services and bill paying could be established in the refurbished Town Hall or the library building," he said.
"They are currently taking up prime CBD land that could be used for development." Mr Mulqueen said it was important the entire process was public because it gave a chance for other ideas to come forward.
"It is a big issue, particularly when you look at other developments the council has done, such as the Rural Exhibition Centre which they cut back for the sake of saving money," he said. "Maybe these comments will spark some constructive discussion on the issue and the ways in which the objective can be achieved at a lesser cost."
