LUNENBURG - A request for proposals (RFP) which will hopefully help determine the future of historic Lunenburg Academy has closed with the reception of seven submissions.

 Back in August, council committed up to $13,000 in funding towards a consultant's study to explore the viability of repurposing the 116-year-old structure, which will cease to operate as a public school once the new Bluenose Academy opens in 2012.

 The study will determine an overall operational cost analysis in order to understand the basic financial investment that will be needed to maintain the structure, as well as clarify what community organizations should be charged for utilizing space in the building for a day, evening or series of days.

 The study will also look at the feasibility of the Academy for heritage, cultural and educational purposes, taking into consideration the numerous suggestions which have already been submitted by the public.

 Mayor Laurence Mawhinney said last week that the RFP submissions will be reviewed by the Academy Task Force over the coming days, and that group will report back to council "with the expectation that we'd have something to move forward on at that time."

 The budget for the study was set at a maximum of $65,000 with the town contributing up to 20 per cent of the cost. Applications will be made to federal and provincial government sources to cover the balance of the funding.

posted on 11/23/11