A last minute attempt to have the Kiama Independent building considered for repurposing into an arts centre has been unilaterally rejected.

Mayor Neil Reilly today issued a clarification about Council’s landholdings at Akuna Street, in central Kiama, that are currently being sold by tender.

“The Akuna Street landholdings were purchased as part of Council’s investment strategy. Council is now realising that investment by selling the block by an open tender process, which is currently well underway,” says Mayor Reilly.

“Land prices in Kiama have never been higher and this is fortunate, as Council is certainly in need of funds right now.

“I am aware that some community members are calling for the former ‘Kiama Independent’ building to be saved and converted to an arts centre.

“This is not going to happen. The deadline for a recision motion has long passed. We are following the resolution of Council and the sale process is in progress.”

Local artist and president of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Club, Becky Guggisberg, says she is extremely disappointed with the Mayor’s decision as she believes the building is of great importance to the community, both for its history of being owned by the Westons and as a possible cultural hub in the centre of town.

“A liveable community means we need to value the arts and repurposing this building means we value what’s inside,” she says.

“We need to put a spotlight on the building and say what is it worth?

“Well, it’s worth a lot not just in terms of money - it’s got great potential and it’s almost like it’s been purpose built for an arts centre.

“Twenty years of surveying the public, has shown the biggest thing that we’ve wanted is an arts centre and we still don’t have one.

“Now is a time we can show everyone we don’t put wrecking balls through perfectly good buildings.

“Keeping it will say we are a sustainable community and we will repurpose things when they need repurposing.”

The Independent site is the long horizontal triangle, above the carpark

The Mayor, who has recently championed turning the Old Council Chamber on Manning St into an exhibition space, says, “While I am a huge supporter of the arts, this particular block and that building was never under consideration as a location for a Kiama arts centre.

“I would be very happy to meet with any members of the community to discuss their needs for an arts centre, so we can include this in our future plans and budgets.”

The recently conducted Kiama Heritage Study did not consider the building a heritage item.

Council’s agents – Savills Sydney – are currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Akuna Street site, with the process closing 14 April.