Two prominent buildings in the main street of Parkes could be demolished to make way for a car park.
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Parkes Shire Council has received a development application for demolition of the former Ray White Real Estate building and Golo-Millers premises in Clarinda Street (opposite the Broadway Hotel).
Council is currently seeking submissions on the proposal which would see the buildings disappear and the construction of a car park.
It’s understood the car park would be of major benefit to Coles/Target to sustain the viability of the stores.
“The demolition of these buildings is required to allow for the future construction of on grade parking required to sustain the major Coles/Target retail complex,” the application says.
“Without the added convenience of parking the long term viability of this centre is not assured which may also jeopardise a major CBD retail drawcard and employer for Parkes.”
Council is yet to receive a development application for the car park - so details of the number of spaces and accessibility are not known.
The current application is seeking submissions until August 11.
The site of the project has a land area of approximately 3000 square metres and has frontages to Clarinda Street and a rear lane.
There were suggestions of heritage concerns about one of the buildings, the former Ray White Real Estate office - an art deco style construction - but the Parkes Community Based Heritage Study 2007 and the Parkes Thematic Study 2003 confirm that the building is not identified as being heritage listed and is not located within a heritage conservation area.
The second building currently houses Millers and formerly Go-Lo (now vacant).
It is expected the demolition project could take 3-4 weeks.
The application was discussed at this week’s annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, and has also attracted some comments on facebook, questioning the move.
1. “There maybe a lack of parking in the main street however there is a huge car park under Coles and Big W that are rarely full and we dont have that big of a main street not park elsewhere and walk. I also feel the employees and store owners shouldnt take up the parking near theor stores. Coles car park you could swing a gun around and not hit anyone. It will be such an eyesore and really cut off the area.”
2. “Isn't the old State Building heritage listed and if not then why aren't they doing what they originally said and changing it into a walk through mall to Target and Coles. I don't think it's going to be very safe having a carpark that big right in the main street. Yes, true there def is a lack of parking in the main street but I don't think this is the right thing to do. Maybe the owner would have tenants in the buildings and wouldn't have to try and resort to this if they lowered their rent.”