The Freemasons were among the very first tenants in the town hall and have had their premises there since it was completed in 1912. When Östersund municipality is now rebuilding its office premises in the building next door, the town hall will also get an update.
Among other things, the working environment must be improved, fire protection strengthened, while strict cultural heritage protection must be followed.
– We will need larger areas, so we must have full control over the body of this house, says Hans Green, property manager at Östersund Municipality.
Have had “low rent”
For just over 60,000 kroner per year, the Freemasons have had the top floor of the City Hall’s south wing to themselves, with a special entrance from the City Hall stairs. Hans Green believes that it is a low rent the organization had to pay.
– If you want to rent it back, you can expect that it will be a market rent that is adapted to the location in the middle of Östersund, he says.
The Freemasons declined an interview
If the Freemasons cannot come back, it is unclear where they will be housed. Through a representative of the local organization, they have declined our interview request, but announce that they are dissatisfied with the dialogue with the municipality.
Hans Green wants to emphasize that the municipality has nothing against the Freemasons, but that the termination of the lease is solely due to the renovation needs.
In the feature, Hans Green tells what might happen in the Freemasons’ premises.