Albury Council instigates moves to acquire St Matthew's church land

In recent months, the church and council have been locked in tense negotiations for the land in QEII Square, which was originally the subject of a 99-year lease signed almost 50 years ago.

St Matthew’s instigated revoking the original licence in October last year and it came into effect on April 30.

It coincided with the area including the war memorial being temporarily fenced off to the public in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

The inability to strike a deal, which has included the church rejecting two offers, has led to council bringing the matter to a head.

General manager Frank Zaknich will present council with a recommendation to compulsorily acquire the land on Monday night.

The recommendation also includes an interim lease deal for the period required for the change of ownership of the 1355 square metres of land.

The pending completion of the $10.5 million Murray Art Museum Albury redevelopment is also a major consideration in resolving the impasse.

Zauner Construction presently occupies the site, but is due to vacate in late September.

It will leave the land without any formal agreement to ensure unrestricted public access manage or assume any risk associated with its public use.

“The land in question is significant to the community of Albury.,” Mr Zaknich said.

“Securing tenure over the land is critical to council’s achievement of the community’s vision for the cultural precinct and the public’s enjoyment and benefit of this significant public open space.

“Council has sought to progress negotiations with the church for some time.

“Council and the church have been unable to agree on appropriate terms for council’s acquisition of the land.”

Under a compulsory acquisition process, the compensation payable will be determined by the Valuer General.