Works to demolish the Mudgee Showground grandstand will commence this week.
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Council approved demolition of the structure in February 2018 after a structural inspection report determined the grandstand structure does not comply with the design and loading requirements of the current Australian Standards nor does it meet the minimum requirements for stairways or access in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
The report further outlined an almost total reconstruction was necessary to bring the structure to these standards. With it deemed un-useable in its present condition and poses an immediate public safety threat to anyone accessing it.
The Development Application to demolish the structure, received by Council in November 2017, provided indicative costings of $776,160 to bring it into compliance.
And the included structural inspection report prepared by Barnson Pty Ltd concluded that the grandstand - erected in 1936 - is believed to have exceeded its design life.
The recommendation put to Council's February 2018 meeting was to refuse demolition of the grandstand, due to the proposal's impact upon the heritage significance of the Mudgee Heritage Conservation Area.
However, Cr Peter Shelley moved an amendment that it should be demolished, the Amendment became the motion, which passed seven votes to two. And pointed out that "it is in the Heritage Conservation Area, but it's not a heritage building".
