OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SYDNEY ESTONIAN HOUSE

OPTION 3: SELL UP AND MOVE

This presentation . . .

• Some considerations

• Experiences from other ethnic groups

• Experiences of other Estonian Houses and Societies

• Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Relocating

• Next Steps

Experiences from other ethnic groups

• Latvians

• Lithuanians

• Others

Estonian House – Toronto, Canada

• Old building; • Great location

• Several stages in the building, starting in 1890;

• Asbestos

• Konstantin Päts cries when it rains

• Lots of repairs needed; no funds; limited income

• Have tried partnerships with three developers; all projects failed

Common Findings From Other Groups . . . 1 • All groups have had trouble raising funds, finances,

• All groups have problems getting bank loans as they have little demonstrable income

• No club can survive solely from own ethnic group activities

Common Findings From Other Groups . . . 2 • Two distinct groups – Refugees and Immigrants

• Younger/newer generations have different needs and preferences to older generations

• Newer/younger and older generations do not mix much

• Travel options vary according to generations

• No-one is sure what their future holds for them

Further Issues with Relocating

• How long between selling, having to move, and having new house?

• What to do if there is a time lag between houses?

• Need funds to pay for moves, temporary facilities, etc

Advantages in moving

• If moving to a new site, could build on a vacant block, or select a building that suits our needs very well

• Could get a much newer building – less maintenance, better longevity etc

• Building could provide better incomes

• There are various properties available, in the city, as well as in other suburbs and outer suburbs

Disadvantages in Relocating

• Possible interim period between houses

• May not be able to afford a “good” location

• The move could lose some of our society

Future Uses of a House/Club for Estonians

• Singing?

• Dancing?

• Newspaper?

• Archives?

• A Meeting Place?

• Café, restaurant?

• Social events?

Issues in Selling Current Premises

• Selling up

• who will buy the current place?

• How much will they be prepared to pay?

Summarising . . .

• Few groups have the income to maintain their current premises

• Everyone expects to have to replace their current building, or to relocate, within the next 5-10 (or 10-20) years

• It is not easy to work with developers

• This will not be a quick and simple process; we need to take the next while to work out what to do and how

The Next Steps . . .

• Discussions re the future of the Sydney Estonian Community . . . • Users

• Facilities / spaces needed

• Determine the kind of building needed the location

• Determine immediate and long-term finances, incomes.