Latrobe City Council will work closely with the community to decide on the future of the Old Methodist Church in Traralgon.
At its November Council Meeting, Council endorsed to request VicTrack enter a new lease for Lot 84 Traralgon, as a pre-condition to further considerations regarding the future of the Old Methodist Church and the site.
Council undertook community consultation about the future of the Church between 23 August to 19 September 2023. Council received 21 submissions, with feedback from the community including the Church should be preserved based on its historical value, that it should be utilised for community use or that it should be demolished.
Council have been considering the future of the Church since the decision was made to transition the Visitor Information Service from the Church to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in 2018.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said given the preference of most respondents was that the Church should remain at its current site, the potential to achieve this is critical for any further consideration regarding the future of the Church.
“Council will consult with VicTrack regarding the lease of the Church. Several factors will be considered before entering a potential new lease, including the impact on future use of the building, level of investment required and any impact on successful fundraising,” said the Mayor.
“Subject to the outcome of these negotiations, a review of the current Masterplan for the Traralgon Station may be required which is currently unbudgeted.
“Council will also consider the proposal made by the Old Methodist Church Futures Committee and how future engagement with this group will be framed.”
Councillor Dan Clancey thanked the community for their submissions and their feedback about the future of the Methodist Church.
“We hope that feedback from the community brings us a really positive outcome. The Methodist Church is iconic, people drive past it and recognise that part of our history,” said Councillor Clancey.
A further report will be presented to Council in the first quarter of 2024, regarding the outcome of the extended lease request, and the options for the next steps of the Church.
