Young Shire Council Corporate Services Director Greg Armstrong yesterday told The Young Witness he is currently not aware of any possible purchase.

But he did confirm the site is being investigated in terms of potential use.

“All I can say is there are a lot of irresponsible rumours going around – but council is not negotiating anything,” Mr Armstrong said.

“No contracts or no commitments have been exchanged – any discussion with LFE would have been about the possible expansion of the Southern Cross Cinema,” he said.

The Southern Cross Cinema is located next to the LFE building.

According to Mr Armstrong, Young Shire Council were presented with a business plan from the Young and District Arts Council for the Southern Cross Cinema in June last year.

“In that business plan there was mention of an expansion opportunity would exist if a premises was to be expanded into the adjoining property – but I don’t know if that has been the catalyst for the rumour or not,” he said.

Mr Armstrong said contrary to incorrect media reports this week, he believed the building was being leased by someone else.

He said council had considered further development at the Southern Cross Cinema.

“But for that to happen we would need to consider parking,” Mr Armstrong said.

“I am aware of some preliminary feasibility investigations about it [the purchase of the adjoining shop] but no decision has been made,” he said.

Mr Armstrong said council will not rule out purchasing it in the future.

“Never is a long time – I don’t think it’s fair to say council will never seek to acquire the property but we haven’t got anything on the radar currently.”

Lambing Flat Enterprises director Sally Hofman said she is not aware of any offer from council.

“They have said in the past they are interested but we have not received anything from them,” she said.

She said the building is used by LFE for the transition-to-work program, vending machine business and is rented by another independent business.

“We are open to different opportunities and situations - we are very open to offers though,” Ms Hofman said.