Two parcels of land have been consolidated by Richmond Valley Council in the next stage of the process to build the community precinct.
At its ordinary meeting on Tuesday 15 September, Council voted unanimously to consolidate the two lots at 3 Lyons Street (the St John’s Anglican Church site) and 10 Murray Street, into a single lot, and classify the consolidated lot as operational land.
General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the siting of the proposed Rappville Common would incorporate sections of both lots, as well as the original site of the old hall, which was destroyed during the Busbys Flat Road bushfire last year.
Designed by architect Virginia Kerridge, the proposed new Rappville Common includes a spacious hall, outdoor deck, a separate communal kitchen, along with a covered outdoor dining area and storage and amenity facilities.
A key priority for Council
Mr Macdonald said rebuilding and improving Rappville’s community infrastructure was a key priority for Council in the wake of last year’s disaster.
He said of all the planned projects in the pipeline for Rappville, the hall was possibly the most important for the community.
‘The plans offer not just a new community hall, including kitchen and entertainment facilities, but garden spaces designed by landscape architect Jane Irwin, which everyone can enjoy,’ said Mr Macdonald.
‘The upgraded community facility will become a focal point of Rappville’s recovery.
Mr Macdonald said council has been fortunate to receive funding for this project from both the Federal Government’s National Bushfire Recovery Agency and the Business Council of Australia’s BizRebuild bushfire recovery initiative, which have combined with Council’s insurance payment from the loss of the original hall.
‘Consolidating and classifying the land was an important step to allow for flexible use of the site and will enable the project team to move ahead with the delivery of this project.
‘We are excited to be now progressing to the next stage and look forward to updating the community throughout.’
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