Council to purchase Khancoban General Store Building

Published on 30 January 2018

At last Thursday’s Extra Ordinary meeting Snowy Valleys Council agreed to purchase the vacant Khancoban General Store building for $110,000.

Council Director Strategy, Community & Development Gus Cox said it was an important decision for Khancoban residents and current business owners, and would help support the vibrancy of the existing shopping precinct.

“We are keen to attract an energetic, worthwhile business to take up the lease, preferably a supermarket or general store proposal that would complement the existing businesses”, Mr Cox said.

Council consulted with existing retailers in the lead-up to the purchase decision including the Khancoban Shopping Centre to gather their views on the matter and to shore up support.

“We wanted to ensure we weren’t instigating something that would only end up putting a strain on existing businesses so it was important to keep the local owners in the loop”, Mr Cox said.

In August 2017, Council resolved to allocate $200,000 from the Stronger Communities Major Infrastructure Grant Funds for the purchase and fit-out of the vacant general store building.  The $110,000 (including GST) allocated last week for the purchase of the building leaves the remainder to assist a new tenant with the store’s fit-out.

“The Stronger Communities Major Infrastructure Grant Funds were allocated to projects that would build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities and the Khancoban General Store purchase fits this criterion perfectly”, Mr Cox said.

In the coming weeks Council will advertise an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the commercial lease of the space.

For more information please contact Council Director Strategy, Community & Development Gus Cox on 6948 9116 or [email protected]