Dear members,
I am very pleased to announce some premises news.
As promised, Council staff met with us last week.
They informed us that the Northern Beaches Council plan to redevelop the Nelson Heather Centre by demolishing the current buildings and building a new Community Centre. While this plan is subject to formal Council budget approval, expected mid 2019, they have already appointed a project manager.
Their research has confirmed:
- The need for a District Facility in Warriewood,
- That the Nelson Heather building can no longer be maintained as it is, and
- That the Nelson Heather location is the best site for a new larger Community Centre.
They have allocated space for our Bridge Club in high level plans for the new building. Conceptual and then detailed design planning is scheduled for 2019.
This is a promising development for the club, but also brings with it a number of significant uncertainties:
- The amount of space to be allocated exclusively to us may be less than we have at the moment,
- The rent for the allocated space may be far more expensive than we currently pay, and
- If we can be suitably accommodated in the new development, we will still need to find suitable temporary accommodation for the period of the redevelopment (probably 18-24 months).
In 2019 the Club will need to simultaneously negotiate the space allocated and the new licence agreement, as well as plan for alternate temporary accommodation. Hopefully a manageable solution,and ideally a long term improvement, can be negotiated.
We will continue to keep you updated as further information is received. There will be opportunities next year for the Club to provide input into the Community Consultation process, which informs the design process. As a club we will also have a briefing/discussion session with members at an appropriate time.
I wish you all a happy Xmas and a good new Year.
Sarah
