The current City Hall on College Road would be an ideal location for the development of a community hub when the move to Crown Site happens, according to city councillor Niall McNelis.
The Labour candidate said that a Community Enterprise hub is needed where community groups, charities, volunteer organisations can operate hot desks and this would fund the operating costs of facility.
He said that the city needs a place where instead of paying rent, term limits on leases with upward only rents, social enterprises can use a facility and share ideas and promote each other.
"City Hall is a public building and must remain in the ownership of the public sector. A community space for all especially now when we rely so much on volunteers in society is so important," he said.
This facility would be a focal point to assist community organisations from across the city to provide services to the public and further develop and grow new initiatives and activities.
Councillor Mc Nelis believes that there is existing empty and under-utilised spaces that may be appropriate for the speedy development of such a facility, such as City Hall.
Speaking at his last meeting as chair of the economic, community and culture committee for this City Council, Cllr Mc Nelis said that the city has changed over the last two decades, and it is becoming very challenging for many groups, whether they be small and medium sized charities and groups to find a space to run their activities.
