The Crossways Community Trust is disappointed that the Crossways House has been sold to a higher bidder, depriving Mount Victoria of its community centre.
Despite thousands of hours of volunteer work, a million dollars in fundraising and the efforts of a whole community, the Presbyterian Church has decided to sell Crossways to another buyer.
The Church has accepted an offer of $1.31 million from an un-named purchaser who will convert the building back into a family home. This amount was well short of the Church's $1.5 million valuation, and barely more than the community had initally offered once real estate agent fees and marketing costs had been deducted.
The building will cease functioning as Mt Victoria’s community centre in October 2008.
It is of some consolation that Crossways is unlikely to be demolished, however it is a sad end to three decades of community heritage.
“The real issue was never about who would make the highest or lowest bid, but whether the community would be able to continue to use a much valued social asset,” said Trust chair Bill Southworth.
“Obviously the community was at a disadvantage competing with commercial bidders. To succeed we needed the support of the city council and the church but we missed out on both counts.
“However, all is not lost. The strong community spirit and the funds created by the campaign could be directed towards another alternative. A decision on this will be made at a public meeting to be held at Crossways on 21 August,” Mr Southworth said.
The Trust is concerned that groups using Crossways, and particularly the local community crèche, are struggling to find alternative accommodation.
3856 090 or 0274 307 909
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