Findings from investigations into the feasibility of converting the former Masters building into a centralised office space are expected to be returned to MidCoast councillors in August.
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A council spokesperson said the plan for the site located at the corner of Manning River Drive and Biripi Way is still the relocation of MidCoast Council.
“There are definitely no plans along the lines of moving in a different direction with the site,” the spokesperson said.
“The project is still at the stage that was approved at the ordinary meeting of February 28, when councillors approved a budget and program proposal, prepared by project managers Montlaur Project Services, for detailed investigations to be undertaken.
“Montlaur is currently still undertaking the commission of more detailed studies into the feasibility of the conversion of the site, including design options, compliance checks and a quantity surveyor report.
“At this stage, we estimate the findings of those investigations will be returned to councillors in a detailed report in August, but no date has been set as yet.
“Once that report has been provided, councillors will be able to make an informed decision as to the feasibility of the project going ahead.”
The site, which was purchased as a strategic land acquisition in November, 2017 comprises an area of approximately 3.7 hectares consisting of a modern high clearance warehouse facility with polished concrete floors, fully air conditioned and 281 car parking spaces and associated infrastructure.
A five-stage “gateway” process was endorsed by council on December 20, 2017, and required the findings at each stage to be formally reviewed and assessed by council before a decision to move forward to the next stage was made.
If the first stage of the gateway process is approved as a result of the current investigation, the second stage is the design stage, focusing on design, costs and funding.
At this stage resources would be committed to design.
The third stage focuses on construction, the fourth stage on the occupation and operation of the site and the final stage involves agreement on costs, benefits and lessons learned.
Further reporting will be made available on the council website as the initiation stage progresses.