Men's Shed finally granted occupancy certificate
Umina Beach Men's Shed has finally been issued with an occupancy certificate for its new Shed in Osborne Ave.
The certificate, which allows the group to use the building, was issued on May 7, almost six and a half years after the Council approved the lease of the land to the organisation.
Issue of the certificate was held up last November, after Central Coast Council required a new development application to be lodged to allow the original carpark driveway alignment to be retained.
An opening ceremony planned for December had to be abandoned, and now is unlikely to occur before July.
"While the structure of the building and facility was completed several months ago, the Council insisted that the car park access and detail were addressed prior to granting the occupancy certificate," said Shed newsletter editor Mr Vic Brown.
"Their requirements for what is technically their car park were completed and finalised just recently.
"With the occupancy certificate now in place, the relocation from our existing Birdwood Ave Shed to our new Shed in Osborne Ave is now underway."
Mr Brown said the Shed's activities had been suspended for the next three weeks while the move takes place.
"The focus for members is now the clean-up and packing of the equipment and materials to be transferred and the actual relocation and installation of the machines, tools and materials.
"The new Shed once operational will provide a much better work and social environment than our old Shed - more space, safer and healthier in terms of the work areas and a large meeting room for socialising, supported by a modern kitchen.
"While our old Shed - the Little Shed with a Big Heart - has served us well, the new Shed with its greater space and modern facilities will brighten the lives of our members and provide increased capacity for projects and support for the community."
Mr Brown said the date for a formal opening had yet to be determined.
This would occur after the relocation was completed and the new Shed operational.
"We need to recognise and thank the organisations and individuals who have provided their support in delivering the new Shed.
"We certainly have a good number to thank.
"It's been a long and challenging project."
SOURCE:
Media statement, 24 May 2024
Vic Brown, Umina Beach Men's Shed