And so remains one lone structure that was once the Parkes Hospital in Coleman Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The prolonged period of wet weather over the last few months hadn’t delayed the progress of the old hospital demolition, with the project nearing completion.
The project reached its half-way mark on October 20, where five of the nine buildings had been torn down.
Besides the detached building on the site’s north side in Ainsworth Street, what now remains to be demolished is the old Cobley ward plant room and elevator shaft located in the white-coloured structure of the hospital.
Parkes Shire Council said the completion of the demolition is well on track for mid-December.
Council's director of engineering services Ben Howard said he is pleased with how the project is progressing.
"For the second half of the project, the contractors [have been] transporting the building material off site to the Parkes Waste Facility for crushing,” he said.
“This change in methodology is positive for the community, as it reduces noise, dust and the time taken to complete the demolition.”
There has also been a minor variation to the transport management plan, with vehicles accessing the site via Ainsworth Street, rather than Rose Street.
Council continues to undertake consultation and communications with residents fronting the site to keep them well informed of changes to traffic and pedestrian activity.
"Once demolition is complete, site remediation will begin to prepare the site for redevelopment,” Mr Howard said.
“The remediation process will see the contractors remove all of the footings and underground utilities, top dress, and seeding all affected areas.”
The existing education centre and community health buildings will be retained for re-purposing.
Council said they ensure that throughout the entire project the contractor is meeting the obligations as outlined in the hazardous materials guidelines and the contract awarded.
If members of the public have any concerns about the project or would like more information, please contact Ben Howard at Parkes Shire Council on 6861 2333.
The demolition of the 110-year-old hospital began on August 26, with the old nurses quarters the first to go. It is expected to be fully demolished by Christmas.
