Determining the future of Ray Walsh House will be on the agenda when Tamworth Regional Council meets next week.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb will open the ordinary meeting with a Mayoral Minute outlining Council's instructions to the General Manager to progress an options paper asking him to explore the future of Ray Walsh House, office accommodations for Council staff, and a new Visitor Experience Centre.
Cr Webb said the scope of the options paper would enable Councillors to make an informed decision on behalf of the community.
"As a Council, we all agree it's time to start making some serious decisions about Ray Walsh House and that conversation is bigger than this one building.
"In order to make a responsible decision, we're asking for a detailed report about the costs and timeframes associated with all options.
"We need to put aside misinformation and discuss this decision in an open manner."
The report asks the General Manager to provide a full valuation of Ray Walsh House, as well as a final cost estimate to remove the asbestos contamination and reinsulate the building.
"We've been looking at a range of options over the past three years, including funding support from the NSW Government, but we need a deep understanding of all options" Cr Webb added.
If passed, the report also instructs the General Manager to investigate the cost of a new administration building and Visitor Experience Centre at the site of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and Hungry Jacks in Peel Street. The General Manager would also be instructed to obtain the costs of valuations, concept designs and estimates.
There are no immediate plans to move the Visitor Information Centre or Golden Guitar.
Earlier in the year, Council sought expressions of interest to activate the site as a whole. Two expressions were received and will be considered in the options paper.
If passed, Cr Webb said there will be community consultation around options paper, including a Town Hall meeting.
