Final chapter for old library

NARACOORTE Lucindale Council has this week authorised demolition of the dilapidated former Naracoorte Library site – which has been empty for almost 10 years – with a view to exploring future development opportunities for the site.

Asbestos removal will begin next week, with the demolition of the DeGaris Place building to occur as soon as possible in the current financial year, along with minor landscaping works on the site.

Mayor Patrick Ross said that, over a decade, successive councils had grappled with the issue of what to do with the old Library and the time was right to remove the old building and look at opportunities for the whole DeGaris Place civic precinct.

“The building has been vacant since 2016 when it became unfit for purpose, with numerous water leaks through the building creating mouldy ceilings and floor coverings, making it unfit for staff and the community to occupy,” Mayor Ross said.

“It is an eyesore from the outside, remains unfit for use and in a poor state internally, and we have had estimates of more than $1.5m to redevelop the building.

“What council has decided to do is remove the structure and take a fresh view of the site. Down the track a little we will engage with the community about the DeGaris precinct as a whole and come up with a strategy that has strong community buy-in.”

In September 2023, council supported short-term actions and minimal spend on the building, which included the removal of carpets and regular inspections and minor maintenance.

“While the foundations and walls of the building remain sound, it would require significant internal works, a new roof, new amenities and accessible facilities, along with any other requirements depending on the desired use of the site,” Mayor Ross said.

“There was discussion about turning the site into carparking, but it was felt parking issues within the town were not sufficient to warrant creation of an additional 8-12 places at a cost of approximately $400,000.“By removing the building, we are left with the whole land parcel to the east of the Town Square, incorporating the old Library site and Council administration building and Chambers. This provides us with a clean canvas for the community to better understand the area and scope of the site.”

Mayor Ross said minor landscaping with a lawn area as well as rubble hardstand – and beautification of the old site – would allow for the area to be used in the interim for activities such as food vans and pop-up shops.

“After that, the intention would be to undertake any development over time and in stages, without impacting our long term financial plans,” he said.