Local residents are banding together to form the Castlemaine Community Co-operative with the goal of purchasing and preserving Castlemaine’s historic building, ‘The Hub’. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The co-operative will enable community ownership of the building, on the corner of Barker and Templeton Streets, through collective investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The founders of the new co-operative invite interested community members to a public meeting to discuss the concept at the Castlemaine Town Hall on Wednesday September 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local economist and co-operative co-founder Warwick Smith said ‘The Hub’ was an iconic building in town that many people had a personal association with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are nervous about it falling into the hands of a commercial investor whose only interest is maximising returns,\u201d Mr Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently for sale, The Hub hosts 13 tenants including environmental, community and social organisations, small businesses, and a cafe. There is also a thriving community garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n