Where next for Meander Primary School? Teen Challenge lease ends early, council looks for ideas

The matter was decided at a closed section of this week's council meeting.

In August, faith-based organisation Teen Challenge abandoned its plans for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre at the site after opposition from sections of the community and an ongoing planning appeal.

The proposal received planning approval in 2016 but had not been able to progress further.

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Meander Valley mayor Wayne Johnston said the decision to allow Teen Challenge out of the lease meant the community could look to the future.

"While it is disappointing that the site has remained idle for four years; it is now time for the community of Meander to focus on the alternative possibilities for the site," he sad.

"We want any process to identify options to bring the community together and make the most of the opportunity the former school site presents.

"We are seeking a future for the site that has broad community support and will be asking the Tasmanian Government to help achieve this by relaxing it's permitted uses on the site, which are limiting."

Council will call for proposals in the first half of 2021, with a key criteria being that they demonstrate "a clear community benefit and a capacity to fund the refurbishment, maintenance and long-term operation of the site".

A community evaluation committee will be established including representatives from organisations, rather than individuals.

A shortlist of proposals will be developed and taken to the broader community, before council votes on a preferred option.

"We are looking for organisations who are open and inclusive to represent the views of Meander residents," Cr Johnston said.

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