One of the two options hypothesised for redeveloping the Council Administration site, including a five storey building at the back

The path is now clear for Council’s administration building in Manning Street to be redeveloped, possibly to a five storey height.

After completing the Gateway Process, the July meeting of Kiama Council approved its rezoning from Special Purpose to B2 Local Centre to implement the vision of the Town Centre Study.

The new zoning will allow for a wider range of commercial activities and for greater development and employment opportunities on the site.

The Town Centre Study identified the importance of keeping Council in the centre of town, given the economic and social benefit.

What exactly will go on the site is still to be decided.

“It is a very long term project and will be some time before we come up with designs for a DA,” says Council’s General Manager Kerry McMurray.

“That will, of course, involve full community consultation.

“It is too early to say how the development could be undertaken. It could potentially be done as a joint venture.”

Given the COVID 19 spacing requirements, staff are currently working in the main building, the ANZ Bank building, the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, the old Council Chambers and at home.

Council also approved the rezoning of the original Blue Haven buildings in Havilah Place.

Again it will be some time before the area is redeveloped, but the zoning now allows for a seven storey building on a portion of the site.