WVCC’s has lodged an objection to the proposal by the Woden Tradesmen’s Union Club in Development Application 201120044 (Block 13 Section 3, Phillip) to deconcessionalise the Club’s lease
[teaserbreak]
The following is the text of the WVCC letter:
Development Application 201120044 (Block 13 Section 3, Phillip) to deconcessionalise lease
Woden Valley Community Council wishes to express its strong opposition to the proposal in DA 201120044 to remove the concessional status of the lease of the Tradesmen’s Union Club at 1 Launceston Street (Block 13 Section 3), Phillip.
Concessional leases were originally granted to not-for-profit social clubs, such as the Woden Tradesmen’s Club, for the purpose of providing social facilities to the community. The intention was to restrict the full range of activities permitted on the site, in the interests of meeting the needs of the community.
This need has not diminished. Indeed, given the loss of recreational facilities in the Woden Town Centre area, the retention of clubs such as the Woden Tradesmen’s Union Club in their current form is even more important now, than when the lease was originally granted. Removing the concessional status of the Woden Tradesmen’s Club’s lease will not ensure the site remains for the benefit of the community.
WVCC understands that the Club wishes to improve its financial position through redevelopment of the site. However, from a community perspective, this is not a satisfactory outcome. In this connection, WVCC draws ACTPLA’s attention to a resolution of the Combined Community Councils of the ACT (dated 20 March 2011) that
holders of a concessional or community facility land use lease, where the use of that land is no longer required for the original purpose, be required to surrender the lease and land to the ACT Government for community re-use as a concessional lease for the benefit of the local community. Any profits arising from subsequent re-leasing accrue to the ACT Government.
If the Tradesmen’s Union Club believes the site in its current use is not viable, it should be required to return the lease to the ACT Government.
Sincerely
Dr Jenny Stewart
President
5 July 2011