Glenorchy City Council considering swapping beloved senior’s club to make way for youth hub

The Glenorchy City Council is considering swapping the former site of a beloved seniors club to house a new youth hub in the city. How it would work.

Golden Years Club Glenorchy. Image: Beth Nugent

The Glenorchy City Council is considering swapping the former site of a beloved seniors club with the Salvation Army to house a new youth hub in the city.

At its meeting this coming Monday, the council will decide whether to consider transferring the former Golden Years Club building on Main Road to the Salvation Army, after the organisation made a submission during the expression of interest process.

In return, the Salvation Army would transfer its current building on Terry Street to the council, with an adjustment payment made depending on its value.

Mayor Sue Hickey said it was the preferred body to take over the club.

Activities at the Glenorchy Golden Years Club. Picture: supplied

“The Salvation Army’s proposal included a transfer of their current building in the Glenorchy CBD to the council, allowing it to relocate its services to the Main Road site,” Ms Hickey said.

“This would provide the council with a unique opportunity to establish a youth hub at the current Salvation Army building in Terry Street, fulfilling one of the council’s strategic objectives and provide a base for improved youth services.”

Ms Hickey said the Terry Street site was an ideal base for the delivery of youth services, due to its proximity to the CBD and the council offices.

“Importantly, the proposal secures the ongoing provision of the important services that the Salvation Army provides to the Glenorchy community,” she added.

Mayor of Glenorchy Sue Hickey. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Golden Years Club opened in 1967 and at its peak boasted more than 500 members.

An expression of interest process for a head tenant was initiated for the site after the club, facing dwindling membership and volunteer numbers, decided to wind up late last year.

The council flagged the idea of a dedicated youth hub in August amid reports of rising youth crime and anti-social behaviour, and has lobbied the state government for support.

“We are restricted by the lack of a safe space to provide the care and attention many of these young people need,” Ms Hickey told council.