The Department of Health has agreed to a number of conditions relating to the transfer.

Denmark Shire Council acquired the vesting of the properties for “civic” purposes by the community.

These will be identified by a Council Working Group working with the community in liaison with a project consultant.

Shire CEO Dale Stewart said Council had been successful in gaining a grant of $9,000 from the Heritage Council of WA to employ a professional to assist the working group develop an appropriate adaptive re-use strategy.

“The role of the working group will be to assist the consultant engage with community groups and to ultimately recommend to Council the final uses that the old hospital and lodge buildings can be best used,” he said.

Mr Stewart said key community groups would help identify appropriate uses for the old buildings and grounds.

He said they would need to be in keeping with the heritage conservation plan.

This was being finalised by Albany’s Howard & Heaver Architects.

Groups identified for involvement include the Denmark Telecentre, Denmark Arts, Denmark Over 50s Association, People for Parklands Denmark and Denmark Historical Society.

“I’m sure other groups and interests will also be putting their hands up for access to space and facilities at the centre,” Mr Stewart said.

“Following conclusion of the planning process we intend to apply for grants from Lotterywest and others to give the buildings their long overdue makeover.”

Cr John Sampson and Cr Philip Barnes are Council’s delegates to the working group.

Cr Barnes, who was the inaugural convenor of the Old Hospital Community Centre Group said the group’s members were pleased with the progress.

“It is rewarding to see that a community group, through persistence and a vision, has assisted Council create this opportunity for the whole community of Denmark to now reap the benefits,” Cr Barnes said.