Surf Coast Shire Council and Winchelsea locals are set to revisit the future of the Former Winchelsea Shire Hall after the preferred lessee decided not to proceed with a new food business at the venue.
Following an Expression of Interest process, Council endorsed its preferred lessee at a Special Council Meeting in April 2020 and preparations have been underway since.
“Due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the uncertainty of the current economic situation, it seems that the proposed business isn’t possible at this point in time,” Council’s General Manager Culture and Community Chris Pike said.
“It’s disappointing news for everyone involved but it’s understandable. We know that many businesses are doing it tough and so it’s not all that surprising that someone would have to change their plans in the current environment.
“Council has only recently learned of this situation and so we’re yet to work through the next steps.
“The community vision for the Former Winchelsea Shire Hall, developed in 2019, is that it will be an active and inclusive place, supporting community connection and contributing to a vibrant town centre. Despite the extraordinary challenge of the pandemic, we’ll keep working together to find a way to realise this vision.”
