The future of Dulwich Community Centre site

The Dulwich Community Centre has been identified as an underperforming asset in poor condition in accordance with the City of Burnside’s Property Strategy.

In July 2017, a Report was presented to Council which outlined the current state of the Centre, constraints in terms of future development, and intervention options to improve the facility. A community consultation process then commenced to seek formal feedback in regard to the potential future use of the Dulwich Community Centre site. This was undertaken between 30 August and 22 September 2017.

The City of Burnside sought community opinion on six suggested options for the future of the Dulwich Community Centre. Participants were asked to confirm their support for each option, and were asked to comment on their selection.

It is evident from the results that there were no solutions that were overly supported by the respondents. The community could choose from six options:

1. Status Quo

2. Renovate

3. Reuse/Adapt

4. Reconstruct

5. Pocket Park

6. Dispose

The results indicate that while those who responded do not agree on a potential option, there is not the belief that an alternative option has been missed or not canvassed.

With respect to the selected options, the Renovate option, followed closely by the Status Quo option, received the lowest opposition; with comments indicating the community are seeking a low-cost option for minor improvements to the Centre should it be retained.

The options to Reconstruct and Reuse/Adapt options were considered too expensive by many respondents. The Pocket Park option received low support as the site was considered too small for this purpose and there are many other park options nearby.

Concerns about the permanent loss of community land or public space and that it should remain as a community facility were the strongest reasons why the Dispose option received low support from the respondents.

Feedback received from the current hirers of the Centre indicated their primary concern in relation to a closure of the Centre in the short or long term relates to a lack of alternative venues that meet their needs in terms of location, pricing and building components such as timber floors and storage options.

Over 500 responses were received and overall the outcome of the consultation has been inconclusive in that those who responded have indicated they are unsatisfied with each option proposed.

Therefore, at the Council Meeting on 28 November, Council resolved that any decision on the Dulwich Community Centre be deferred until after the endorsement of the Connected Community Strategy and Strategy Action Plan. These are currently being developed by the Administration.

Following the endorsement of the Strategy and Action Plan a further Report will be presented to Council which will recommend a process for continuing the matter, including re-engaging the community to determine a preferred position and a definitive outcome.

Status Quo

Remedial works are undertaken to improve aesthetics and undertake remedial maintenance. Service provision to the community will be uninterrupted and likely to remain at current levels. Due to location and the structural limitations of the building, there are limited opportunities for alternative uses of the site even though there are times when the facility is unoccupied. The estimated cost for this option is $20,000 in works and $15,000 per year for ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

Renovate

Renovate the internal components with no change to the building’s footprint. For this work to be undertaken the use/hire of the building will be interrupted while works are undertaken. Users will enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing venue however functionality would remain similar. Due to location and the structural limitations of the building, there are limited opportunities for alternative uses of the site even though there are times when the facility is unoccupied. The estimated cost for this option is $620,000 in works and $20,000 per year for ongoing maintenance, operational costs and depreciation.

Reuse or Adapt

Demolish up to 60 per cent of the existing building and reconstruct it to improve the amenities and accessibility (DDA). During these works hirers will be unable to use the site. Some increase in functionality is expected although there are limited opportunities to introduce alternative uses due to the location of the site. The estimated cost for this option is $870,000 in works and $22,000 per year for ongoing maintenance, operational costs and depreciation.

Reconstruct

Demolish the entire building and reconstruct a modern facility that has potential to increase the functionality of the site and make it useful for a wider range of uses and larger number of community groups. However the location and size of the site limits these opportunities. During these works hirers will be unable to use the site. The estimated cost for this option is $1.45 m in works and $27,000 per year for ongoing maintenance, operational costs and depreciation.

Pocket Park

Demolish the building and redevelop into a pocket park. Council will assist existing users, where possible, to relocate to other venues. This option creates a new open space. Active recreation may be limited due to the surrounding residential area with the park suited to passive recreation (sitting, reading, yoga etc). A pocket park would benefit local residents but has limited other uses due to the location of the site. The estimated cost for this option is $160,000 in works and $10,000 per year for ongoing maintenance and depreciation.

Dispose

Sale of the site as-is on the open market. Proceeds may be invested in existing or new community facilities across the City, into the acquisition of open space, or repayment of council debt. Council would assist existing users, where possible, to relocate to other venues. Costs associated with the disposal process will be offset by any sale proceeds. As this option is one possible consideration, Council is required to present a report on a proposal to dispose of this community land in accordance with section 194 of the Local Government Act 1999. The inclusion of this report does not represent that the future of the site has already been decided.