An unused IGA supermarket building in the Shire of Cranbrook is set to be converted into a centrally located community hub.
The supermarket opened in February 2012, but closed suddenly six months later.
After being on the market for 18 months with no investment interest, the Shire purchased the site in 2013 at a cost of $275,000.
The hub will provide a location for various existing community groups, including: the visiting doctor; community nurse; Home and Community Care; seniors’ group; art and craft group; local child care provider; community gym; and allied health staff.
There will also be space allocated for a dedicated training room and office space for visiting professionals.
The design brief includes an oval-shaped internal atrium, suitable for civic ceremonies and functions, as well as space for cultural displays, photographic competitions and local community art exhibitions.
After the Shire purchased the building in 2013, extensive community consultation was undertaken to determine the needs and space requirements of the various community groups, all of which currently reside in or operate from ageing Shire infrastructure.
The feedback from consultation sessions allowed staff to seek expressions of interest from designers and architects for the preparation of concept designs.
The concept design and costing phase is now almost complete.
Following further consultation and design confirmation, it is envisaged that tenders for the internal fit–out of the hub will be called early next year.
The Shire hopes the hub will be fully operational before the end of 2016.
