Agreement paves way

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE library users will have more elbow room following agreement on a long-term lease for the Swinburne-TAFE building.
The building, originally built as the former Shire of Healesville headquarters, will be converted into a community, cultural and learning hub after Yarra Ranges council, the State Government and Swinburne University agreed on lease conditions.
Under a Heads of Agreement Yarra Ranges Council is guaranteed a 30-year lease from Swinburne at a nominal rent of $1 per annum. Swinburne would sub-lease back from the shire at an equal amount.
A further 20-year lease is also a possibility under the agreement.
The shire will spend about $1 million converting the building into a new interactive library. The project will also involve the relocation of the shire’s Community Link into the building, along with public meeting spaces and the Healesville campus of Swinburne University.
McEwen MP Fran Bailey’s office is also located in the building. Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae said the agreement was a great achievement and the centre would be a fantastic community resource.
“The community and learning centre will integrate a range of community services provided by the library, shire and Swinburne University in one easily accessible facility,” Cr McRae said.
“As well as the integrated services another important feature will be the number of community spaces that will be provided, including a large meeting room with after hours access and a community kitchen and café area.”
Cr McRae said the shire was optimistic the development and relocation of the library would also be supported by a State Government ‘Living Libraries’ grant.
“The new library is a particularly exciting part of this development as it will feature an outdoor reading room, a story time area and a multimedia area that not only provides computers and internet access to the community, but also a range of other interactive technology including computer games.”
Works to refurbish the building are set to begin in the next 12 months.