Gilgandra Shire Council has bought the former Target building in the town with plans to open it as a community space initially as it works to strengthen its central business district (CBD).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after the retailer closed the store this year, leaving a sizable premises in the main street vacant.
Mayor Doug Batten said with the pending Target closure, the concerns of businesses and the wider community were brought to the council and workshopped for ways the council could assist in revitalising the CBD and assisting local businesses through a critical time.
"It is important that Gilgandra and our CBD remains resilient in the face of the current drought, as well as global, regional and local trends in terms of the changing face of retail," he said.
"Council is determined to work with our local businesses to tackle these challenges head-on and be proactive in ensuring Gilgandra holds strength in its economic profile during this time."
It will open as a community space initially.
"While long-term planning is undertaken including consolidation of plans and grant funding contracts, council will offer a temporary innovation, a community hub, as part of a transformative change of the CBD," general manager David Neeves said.
"Council would like to offer opportunities for start-up retailers to test the waters, a place for artists to exhibit their works, for small businesses to share co-working spaces where affordable facilities and a support network are provided."
The ultimate goal of this Miller Street space is to create a once-in-a-generation opportunity of a new community asset...
- Gilgandra Shire Council general manager David Neeves
"The ultimate goal of this Miller Street space is to create a once-in-a-generation opportunity of a new community asset, which will include library services and may entail co-working spaces, learning, cultural expression, community rooms and outdoor space."