With plans to demolish five out-dated pavilions to make way for a new multipurpose pavilion at the site, council last week voted to provide 'in-principle' support.

They also agreed to provide financial support for the future construction of the multipurpose pavilion.

The Parkes Showground Trust says the existing pavilions have “reached the end of their useful lives”.

“There’s always a need for more venues for functions around town,” Cr Ken McGrath said during the February 21 meeting.

But the councillor asked if council would have a say in the project.

Council’s general manager Kent Boyd told the meeting it depended on council’s commitment to the project.

“If council contributes a certain amount of funding, then that’s a whole different ball game,” he said.

“I’ve seen this grow from a wide span building to now what is a substantial, [well-thought-out] project, it has come a long way.

“But there’s no reason why we can’t (have a say).”

Councillors also agreed last week to offer to assist the Showground Trust in its endeavours to secure funding for the project.

The Showground Trust has already lodged a Development Application for the demolition of the showground pavilion buildings located to the east of the showground grandstand.

The demolition development application covered the main exhibit pavilion, commercial pavilion and the arts and crafts pavilion and received Parkes Shire Council approval at its final meeting in 2016.

In a letter to council, Showground Trust secretary Kaye Bird said the Trust is seeking to have council include the pavilion project in its forward planning.

The Showground Trust is currently gathering information to support an application for funding of the project through the NSW Government but may also make a request for funding assistance from council in the future.

Ms Bird said the Trust was seeking council consider the project in its forward planning “with a view to providing both financial and verbal support of the project during the next financial year”.

“The Trust intends that the new buildings will have architectural and community appeal and provide a space which is accessible for a range of activities which Parkes residents currently do not have a venue for,” she said.

Some of the events, Ms Bird said, which have been discussed as possibilities for the new pavilion included machinery expos, stud cattle and sheep shows, produce and retail displays as well as balls, conferences, exhibitions and functions.

The Trust’s most recent costings put the cost of the project at $1.5 million but Ms Bird said the Trust is currently updating the costs, adding interior fit out with the possibility of air conditioning to make the venue suitable for use during all seasons and conditions.

Toilets, showers and kitchen facilities are all included in the costings, Ms Bird wrote in the Trust’s letter to the council.