January 20, 2015
An ambitious plan to convert the former Nanango Butter Factory into a community museum, art gallery, cafe and theatrette was dashed at the weekend.
The Nanango Tourism and Development Association (NaTDA), which has been examining the idea for several months, reluctantly decided to cancel the project on Sunday after it emerged the cost of renovating the historic building to meet the group’s requirements would likely exceed $1.2 million.
The 1936 Butter Factory is located in George Street on a large block that also includes the Winds Of Change Art Gallery.
The block was sold to owner Ray Muggeridge by the former Nanango Dairy Co-Operative several years ago.
Late last year Mr Muggeridge indicated to the NaTDA he would be willing to sell the former factory’s land and buildings at a reduced price if the site could remain locally owned.
NaTDA members thought the building had the potential to be converted into a community complex.
They originally hoped the South Burnett Regional Council could be persuaded to purchase the property, then lease it back to a local not-for-profit management group that would undertake the building’s conversion and day-to-day operation with the aim of creating a “heritage precinct” near the town’s centre.
But after an inspection by Council officers last week determined the total cost of conversions would likely exceed $1.2 million, the group has abandoned the idea.
At a special meeting held at Nanango RSL on Sunday, NaTDA members agreed that it was unlikely the group could raise the necessary cash.
NaTDA President Gloria Kirkness said while she still thought the core idea was sound, any hope of seeing the project come to fruition would require an investor with much deeper pockets than either NaTDA or the South Burnett Regional Council.
“Council already supports Ringsfield House, the South Burnett Energy Centre and the Nanango Cultural Centre,” Mrs Kirkness said.
“In these circumstances, we cannot ask Council to look at an investment of over $1.2 million in another community facility at the present time, however worthwhile the project’s aims might be.”
NaTDA resolved to write to the Butter Factory’s owner to advise they have decided to withdraw from the project.
[UPDATED 22-Jan-15]
