Holdfast Bay Council votes to sell-off Brighton Town Hall despite community campaigners rallying to save it
RESIDENTS in Adelaide’s west have lost their fight to keep a historic hall as the local council votes to sell-off the state heritage-listed building.
HOLDFAST Bay Council has voted to sell-off the former Brighton Town Hall, despite strong community opposition to the move.
Elected members last night voted 7:5 in favour of seeking expressions of interest for the sale or lease of the State Heritage-listed Brighton Rd landmark.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Stephen Patterson said it was the most “viable” and “financially responsible option” for the derelict hall which has been empty since 2008.
“This resolution allows us to explore the possibilities suggested by the marketplace before making a final decision,” Mr Patterson said.
“We have a relatively new council looking at this with fresh eyes with a view towards finding a long-term, sustainable solution.
“While we’re aware that there is support for a proposed community centre model, we do have a number of community centres throughout our city already servicing our community, so we’re keen to open up the discussion and see what other potential solutions for its long-term use may be out there.
He said there had been other examples of heritage buildings be restored by private developers.
“The conditions of any sale or lease would be specified very clearly, so any potential buyer or lessee would be aware of both the opportunities and the restrictions around preserving and using this significant building,” Mr Patterson said.
The future of the 1869-built hall has been in limbo since 2011, when the council first earmarked it for sale.
The hall was where the first Australian female politician — Susan Grace Benny — was elected.
In 2012 the council applied to the State Government to have the hall and its neighbouring bowling green’s community land status revoked.
The council estimated the sale would reap between $1.79m and $2.29m, which would go towards an upgrade of the Brighton Oval complex.
The council was poised to put the site on the market for housing in August last year when business consultant Jo Close stepped in to try to keep it in community hands.
Ms Close led a group of volunteers to develop a business plan to revitalise the hall by creating a cafe/restaurant with a lawn, hireable event and activity spaces and garden.
Ms Close presented the plan to the council in January.
At last night’s council meeting councillor Karen Donaldson quoted journalist and author George Orwell when trying to persuade the council to keep and restore the hall.
“The most effective way to destroy a people is to deny or obliterate their own understanding of their history,” Cr Donaldson said.
“Why would the council vote to take this building away from its owners — the community.
“It is truly part of the history of Brighton … do we really want to be the council responsible for selling this important part of our history?”