'Cautious Progress' on Kempsey Cinema Project

The contentious project moves forward


Article heading image for 'Cautious Progress' on Kempsey Cinema Project

Kempsey Shire Council

Yesterday saw a full house at Kempsey shire council's meeting, with one of the major talking points being the cinema project.

Council say there's been cautious progress on the issue, resolving to wait for a response from the office of Local government regarding the proposal, for progression under a Voluntary Planning Agreement.

Once that response comes through the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement will be on a 28 day public exhibition.

Council general Manager Craig Milburn says the draft has been modified since it was first discussed in November.

“Our legal team has renegotiated a number of key elements of the proposed VPA, such as making it clear that Gowings as the owner of the land is responsible for engaging a cinema operator. This means there is no risk of Council having to source and fund an operator.

“Another significant amendment has been that payments of Council’s $2m contribution will also now be phased with the final $600,000 only paid when the cinema commences operation. This is essentially a form of security against performance,” said Mr Milburn.

21 February 2018




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