Plans to expand Men’s Shed

By Jonathon Howard

POTTSVILLE AND District Men’s Shed has submitted a development application with Tweed Shire Council to expand its current building footprint by around 40 per cent.

Councillors are set to consider and vote on the application during their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 16.

Council has proposed several options to councillors, which include to either approve or refuse the application, or request a reduced footprint of the proposal.

Council’s report notes that an allowance was made in the Black Rocks Master Plan for the extension of the Men’s Shed. Council’s Parks and Active Communities Unit supports an expansion of the current facilities, “consistent with the master plan and previous consultation”.

However, Council’s report also notes whilst an expansion of the Men’s Shed is supported, the size and scope of the proposed extension is “considered to be in excess of that contemplated through the engagement and development of the master plan and other strategic documents”.

“This is due to the inclusion of a mezzanine area above the proposed extension, and also the enclosure of a current outdoor covered area,” Council’s report notes.

Under the current proposal from the Men’s Shed, the length of the shed building would be extended from 18 metres to 30 metres, the 39-square-metre patio would be enclosed, and a 336-square-metre addition would be constructed, creating a 588-square-metre facility.

“The master plan approved a 420-square-metre facility assuming a single-storey building,” Council’s report reads.

“This is a 40 per cent variation resulting from the proposed second storey.

“A second level with internal mezzanine is proposed to be added to the building.

“The ground floor extension is proposed to contain a metal workshop and store, woodworking machinery and dust extractor.

“The existing ground floor area is proposed to be reconfigured and contain another workshop, storage areas, office space, pantry and members activity area.

“It is not clear what is proposed for the mezzanine level.”

Mayor Chris Cherry told The Weekly she “fully supports the Men’s Shed” and think that they do incredible work in the community.

“I also support them expanding their shed at the current site,” she said.

“For me though the expansion being envisaged is too much and I would love to work with them to provide for an expansion that is consistent with the community led Masterplan of the Blackrock Sportsfield.

“We completed this work in full consultation with the Men’s shed, the Croquet club, the Soccer Club, the Cricket Club and the Aero Club only 23 months ago.

“The plan allows for roughly a doubling of the shed from 213m2 to 420m2.

“As a comparison, Tweed Heads Men’s shed, which has very similar membership numbers, is currently seeking an expansion from 282m2 to 376m2. As Councillors we need to look at all the competing needs of the community, we need to be fair and the way we do this is by master planning the area so everyone’s ideas are considered. To simply then ignore that process is not good governance.”

Councillor Reece Byrnes told The Weekly he was keen to vote in support of the motion and allow the expansion.

“With council’s support, this Men’s Shed will continue to grow and thrive and be an integral part of our community,” he said. YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you support an increase to the Pottsville and District Men’s Shed? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts and letters to editor@ theweekly.net.au