$43 million northern hub plan splits opinion

PLANS for a $43 million civic centre in the north are causing a stir — with two councillors labelling it a waste of money, while the Mayor and traders say it will rejuvenate the district.

The proposed site of the $43 million community hub, near the Parabanks Shopping Centre.

PLANS for a $43 million civic centre in Salisbury are causing a stir — with two councillors labelling the project a waste of money, while the mayor and traders say it will rejuvenate the district.

Cr Chad Buchanan said the centre was not needed and the money could be better spent.

“We should be using available funds to fix basic services such as roads, many of our sporting facilities, which are falling apart, and our verges, which are overgrown,” Cr Buchanan said.

“I am disappointed that the council has portrayed this as a community hub when the truth is it’s a $40 million admin building and council chambers.

“It does not reflect the priorities of the city and is a complete waste of money.”

The council this month announced it would build a new community hub in part of a carpark near Parabanks Shopping Centre.

It would replace the council’s current chambers and administration centre on James St, which would be sold to help fund the new building.

A library, gallery and meeting areas would also be housed in the new building.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge hit back at criticism of the project, arguing it would help attract private investment in the area.

“The hub is intended to be a modern community facility and a significant catalyst for further development and investment into our city centre by freeing up existing council sites for potential private sector development,” Ms Aldridge said.

“It will stimulate local economic activity and act as a catalyst to attract further investment into Salisbury.”

Cr Beau Brug, who campaigned against the plans in the council’s recent by-election, said the current chambers should be repaired.

“(A new civic centre) is an inappropriate way to use council resources,” Cr Brug said.

“There is a notion that we do need a council building, which is fair, but to repair (the existing building) would be around $11 million, which is completely different to $43 million.”

Salisbury Business Association chairman David Stockbridge supported a new civic centre.

“This is one of those once in-a-generation opportunities for renewal in Salisbury,” Mr Stockbridge said.

“We currently have a proposal as a result of the community hub announcement that could lead to a $50 million investment in the Salisbury CBD.”

Residents on a community Facebook page questioned the site for the new civic centre, arguing shoppers already struggled to find a parking space at Parabanks.

Ms Aldridge said the council was committed to maintaining the same amount of “council-owned car parking spaces”.

Work on the new civic centre is expected to start next year, once community feedback is reviewed by the council.

People can comment on the plan until August 28 by visiting www.salisburycitycentre.com.au