Crago Mill Precint 3D Modelling by Brester Hjorth Architects.

Plans are moving ahead to transform the former Crago Flour Mill on the main street of Yass into a multi-use community precinct.

Members of the public are invited to have their say on plans for the new Crago Mill Precinct in Yass.
The conversion of the historic building will involve a new library, café and space for long-term government tenants and community groups, along with a new council administration building, chamber and onsite car park.

Locals will be able to meet, eat, play, study, and relax all in the same community hub.

The development application for the proposed precinct went on public exhibition on January 31. The community can provide submissions until 5:00 pm on Monday, February 28 2022.

It proposes to demolish the old buildings adjoining the mill to make way for a single-storey public administration building and community library, two-storey commercial of- fice building, public plaza, 67-space car park and additional on-street parking.

The new library in the precinct will also feature a children’s area and study centre. The area is set to host the refurbished Crago Mill with flexible space suitable for a café, gallery and museum, community meeting rooms, and a small business centre/work hub.

There will also be space for long-term tenants and community groups, public amenities, a public plaza, and a new Council administration building and Council chamber.

The Crago Flour Mill was first known as Barber’s Mill after T Barber who built the original structure in 1870.

AB Triggs then purchased and refurbished the mill in 1898, extending the railway line to service the mill. It was sold to PT Crago just a year later who produced bran, flour and breakfast cereals in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

When the local agricultural industry shifted from wheat to sheep farming in the 1920s and 1930s demand on the mill reduced. In a shift in production during the Great Depression the mill was converted into a rabbit processing and freezing works.

The mill was then sold to Winchombe Carson as a produce store and the surrounding buildings were sold to Council.

The mill remained largely untouched however the building was reinforced when the Aldi supermarket car park was built next door.

The development application will be reviewed by the NSW State Government’s Regional Planning Panel after the public exhibition period.

Yass Valley Council’s Director of Planning and Environment, Julie Rogers, encouraged everyone to view the plans and provide feedback by the deadline on February 28.

The development application and information on how to provide a submission can be viewed on the Council’s website.

Brianna O’Rourke