The Cyprus Community of NSW has officially begun the process regarding expressions of interest for the future utilisation of its property, which includes its Club.
The move represents a development in the task of deciding what to do with the Community’s Stanmore property, which has become a sensitive topic for the organisation and its members.
The Expression of Interest phase will be open until 6 June to test the waters for proposals which will then be put towards members regarding any decisions to be made on the future of the Club.
Michael Kyriacou, President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, explained this decision has come in the interest of moving forward and providing all relevant parties with more data to then make an informed decision as whether to sell and relocate or stay and redevelop the Club.
“The Club has consulted with stakeholders, members, team of experts, government, and others, for well over 18 months,” Kyriacou told Neos Kosmos, adding that EGMs aimed to decide what to do have been stopped due to concern from members.
“The authorities are keen to see the Club do something, they are encouraging action by showing a willingness to consider fast track development approval, possible increase in floor space.”
The CCNSW President expressed that members and stakeholders alike want to see proposals to then decide, and that the EOI phase is designed to “examine and put such proposals to the members”.
This development comes off the back of a recommendation from an EOI subcommittee independent of the current Board that was formed in February of this year, which was tasked with selecting a major real estate firm.
The members of the subcommittee, George Phillips, Con Pavlou, Pandeli Antoniou, Alkis Kadi, interviewed four major real estate firms before deciding to go with Cushman & Wakefield.
It is stressed that the subcommittee will have no deciding say on which proposal is chosen, with Kyriacou reiterating that decision will be left to the Community’s members.
“The EOI is not a decision to sell or to do anything with the property. It is seeking ideas, proposals what can be done with rage property if anything and on what terms which is consistent with the Club s mission statement.”
“There will be a gathering of the members to decide on the direction and proposal.”
Concerns have been raised about the EOI representing an advance in the situation regarding the Club’s future, with some believing these developments should come either at or following the Community’s AGM (which is scheduled for this year but does not have a date as of yet).
Among the concerned members is Dr Con Costa who expressed that there is a desire for “independent expert advice” on all possibilities, which he said has “been denied repeatedly” with the board wishing to go straight to a “quick sale”.
“Members believe putting the site up for a sale through an agent is unconstitutional. The board has no mandate from the members to go to an EOI to sell the iconic rezoned Stanmore site,” Dr Costa told Neos Kosmos.
“We are also overdue for an AGM and elections. The board refuses to provide an annual report or financial statement. It refuses to hold AGM and elections. It is ignoring the members, the constitution of the CCNSW and the law.”
Kyriacou stressed that the EOI does not represent a concrete decision on the Club, which is part of the decision in having it prior to an AGM.
“The EOI is purely about finding out what can be done with the property consistent with the Club’s mission then put the proposals to the members,” he said while also remarking that he hopes the decision can begin a smoother process regarding the future of the Club moving forward.
“This decision to begin the EOI phase was not reached lightly, and it follows a thorough assessment of our current needs and long-term objectives.”
Kyriacou highlighted that the Cyprus Community Club has been an integral part of the Stanmore community for many years, fostering cultural exchange, social cohesion, and community engagement, which he hopes will continue long into the future.
“As stewards of our community’s legacy, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions are guided by transparency, accountability, and the best interests of our members and stakeholders,” he said.
“We understand that this decision may evoke various sentiments among our members and supporters. Rest assured, we are dedicated to maintaining open channels of communication and providing support and reassurance throughout this transition period.”
The CCNSW President extended his gratitude to the members and whole community for their ongoing support and understanding throughout this time:
“We are confident that this decision will enable the Cyprus Community Club to continue its legacy of service and contribution for generations to come,” Kyriacou said.
“Going forward the club looks forward to all members attending the gathering to consider the proposal.”
