Proposal goes before Council this Monday.

KCR-FM management says a solution to the station’s building problem is looking positive after some recent contacts with the shire council.

Earlier this month we reported that the station was seeking new premises, and this week reported a former member’s dissatisfaction with the process of finding a new home for the station.

Monica Martinovich, who is leading the station’s search for new premises, has told radioinfo about the difficult path the station has faced over the past 4 years as it has worked towards a solution to its accommodation problem:
 

“The Shire of Kalamunda and KCR-FM have been actively looking at properties since we were informed a few years ago that a move was inevitable.
 
“Several properties were looked at, and as you can imagine, this takes time, planning, building/renovation permission, survey reports etc.
 
“One building that was deemed suitable was subsequently deemed not viable for safety reasons on the last inspection, four weeks before we were to move in.  This house alone took a year of negotiations.  The home was one of our historic properties. Other properties have been looked at, but for several reasons also weren’t deemed suitable. 
 
“We found a property that we have had under negotiation for a long period of time.  It was vacant, and vandles got in and caused so much damage it had to be demolished.  The shire is now looking at giving us the land at a peppercorn rent.  This goes to council on Monday night.
 
“We have architects willing to help us for little or no cost and we have members who have found a site office as an interim measure whilst we apply for grants.
 
“The community and members of KCR are really behind the project, and the meeting we held at the radio station was amazing –  so much tangible enthusiasm.”

Monica and station management will keep radioinfo readers informed of their progress in finding a new home for KCR FM.