Salisbury Council approves $43m community hub despite angry protests

WORK on a $43.8 million community hub in Salisbury will start early next year, following a heated debate where police were called after angry interjections from people in the gallery.

A detailed artist’s impression of the $43 million Salisbury community hub.

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WORK on a $43.8 million community hub in Salisbury will start early next year, following a heated debate where police were called after angry interjections from people in the gallery.

Salisbury Council last night voted to go out for tender on its plans to build a community hub in the heart of Salisbury — a $43.8 million four-storey building including council chambers, a library, administration centre, gallery, meeting areas and a large outdoor TV.

More than 40 residents attended the meeting where a vocal group opposed to the hub was told by Mayor Gillian Aldridge several times to be quiet.

Two residents were removed by security guards for interrupting council proceedings during the lengthy debate.

A detailed artist’s impression of the $43 million Salisbury community hub.

Security guards were forced to call the police after one of the residents refused to leave the council chamber.

The man left before police arrived at the chambers.

Councillors voted 10:4 in favour of going ahead with the community hub.

Cr Julie Woodman told the meeting the hub would help attract investment to the Salisbury district.

“If this development goes ahead, it is going to be the best thing to happen for the city centre in 40 years,” Cr Woodman said.

“When people see it (the hub) they will come because it will make a big difference to our city and a big difference to the confidence of our retailers.”

The site of the new hub between a cemetery (marked as historic site) and the Parabanks Shopping Centre.

Cr Chad Buchanan, who has been campaigning against the hub, said it would be a waste of ratepayers’ funds.

“This whole exercise by (the) council has done nothing to instil faith and confidence in the council to the community,” Cr Buchanan told the meeting.

“This council’s reputation, trust and respect from the community is at an all-time low.”

The hub debate has split the Salisbury community since the council voted in September to go ahead with finalising designs.

Sad day for the residents that will be paying for this building and weren't asked.

— Beau Brug (@BeauBrug) December 18, 2017

Those in favour say the hub will encourage investment and create a more vibrant city centre.

Those opposed say it is a waste of ratepayers’ money which would be better spent on other projects which benefit more residents.

The hub will be built on a section of John St and the Parabanks Shopping Centre carpark, overlooking the town square.

The council plans to sell Len Beadell Library and its current chambers on James St to developers — and put the proceeds towards hub construction costs.