Council seeks community feedback on a proposal from the Middleton Pioneer Community Hall Association Inc for a new 10-year lease, for continued occupancy of the Middleton Pioneer Hall located at 3 Walker Place, Middleton.

The Middleton Pioneer Community Hall Association Inc. (Association) entered a 42-year lease with Council for the Pioneer Hall (Hall), the Old School Room (Room) and the Old School House Masters Residence (Dwelling) on the 1 July 1982. The premises has been well activated by the Association during the 42 year lease term. The Hall and Room have provided significant community benefit as a meeting space and hire facility. The Dwelling was occupied by a long-term tenant until June 2024 but is now vacant due to the condition of the building.

The current lease has expired, however Council granted holding over of the lease to the Association, to match the expiry of their other lease for the Middleton Institute in November 2025. This building is on the main street in Middleton and is occupied by the Middleton Arts and Craft Association (MACA) who now have their own new lease directly with Council. Subsequently, the Association has lodged a proposal with Council to continue to provide community services from the Hall and the Old School Room on Walker Place Middleton, for a term of 10 years.

As the proposal does not seek to continue with a lease over the Old School House (Dwelling), a further report will be brought to Council to consider future direction for this building as a separate matter to the proposed lease with the Association.