Currently, the former Free Presbyterian Church is located at 121 Brown Street, with 92 Lonsdale Street housing Toyworld, however, Council intends to use these spaces along with the previously purchased 90 Lonsdale Street building to deliver an innovative precinct in the heart of Hamilton.
SGSC mayor, David Robertson, said the purchase of these additional buildings was the next step forward in progressing the vision for the area.
“Council’s purchase of these properties, together with the previous purchase of 90 Lonsdale Street support the broader Council vision for the development of a vibrant and connected civic precinct in the Hamilton CBD,” he said.
“The 2020 Hamilton CBD Activation Master Plan reflects Council and community aspirations to rejuvenate the CBD, linking the CBD through to Lonsdale Street and Melville Oval, activating our laneways and public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“Our vision is for the CBD to become a community hub, highlighted with a civic square, public art, signage, and greenspaces, with easy walking and cycling.
“The larger footprint enabled by the purchase of these premises will allow us to meet the objectives to relocate the Hamilton Library, establish a shared Government Hub and an all new Digital Hub into one location activating and rejuvenating the CBD.”
Cr Robertson said the purchases would also support the redevelopment of the Hamilton Art Gallery on its existing site, a decision that was endorsed by Council in November 2022.
The total cost to purchase both buildings is approximately $1.8 million (plus costs of $100,000).
Council has indicated the purchases will be funded through the 2022/2023 Budget allocation (Lonsdale Street Purchases) of $1,450,000, Moodie Avenue sale of $350,000 and reallocated capital of $100,000.
Owner of both 121 Brown Street and 92 Lonsdale Street, Trish Munro said the timing was right for the sale of the premises.
“We are pleased that the former Free Presbyterian Church and the Toyworld building on Lonsdale Street will now become part of the plans and future vision of the Arts Precinct,” she said.
“Our vision for Toyworld will continue to develop and grow as we continue to trade from the current location at this time, until our future plans for our family business are realised.”
The Church located at 121 Brown Street is subject to a heritage overlay and will not be demolished during the implementation of the project, but rather preserved, with some creative ideas in the pipeline to activate the space.
SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle, said the CBD project would bring new life into the community, creating attractive spaces where people will want to spend time.
“(It will be) a place where our community comes to gather, to meet, to have a coffee, and to socialise, as well as importantly do all the shopping that they need to do,” he said.
“Now that we’ve acquired these properties, we’re moving forward into a design phase for all three aspects.”
Designs for this precinct will continue to be developed by Council and will be released for community exhibition once drafted.
90 Lonsdale Street, formerly the Walkers Mitre 10 building, was purchased by Council for $1.3 million in August 2021 after being unoccupied for approximately 16 years.
Cr Robertson said the agreement to purchase the two new buildings would allow works on the new precinct to push forward.
“It presents a myriad of opportunities for residents and visitors alike and promises to truly transform the Hamilton CBD,” he said.
“We look forward to having designs to show residents so we can all share in this exciting vision for the future of the Southern Grampians.”
The decision to move forward with the total rejuvenation project was made at a Council meeting in November last year.
The CBD revamp will see the city grid – stretching from Lonsdale Street to French Street, and Kennedy Street to Cox Street – modernised, providing a pleasant and welcoming experience to all.
Council hopes the new build will attract more tourists to the town and increase Hamilton’s economic growth.
