NARACOORTE Lucindale Council has this week authorised demolition of the dilapidated former Naracoorte Library site \u2013 which has been empty for almost 10 years \u2013 with a view to exploring future development opportunities for the site.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Mayor Ross said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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,\u201d Mayor Ross said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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.\u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor Ross said minor landscaping with a lawn area as well as rubble hardstand \u2013 and beautification of the old site \u2013 would allow for the area to be used in the interim for activities such as food vans and pop-up shops.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that, the intention would be to undertake any development over time and in stages, without impacting our long term financial plans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NARACOORTE Lucindale Council has this week authorised demolition of the dilapidated former Naracoorte Library site \u2013 which has been empty for almost 10 years \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n