Demolishing the Parkes Showground's deteriorating main pavilion and its adjoining four buildings have always been in the plans to make way for a more modern, larger multi-complex.
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But the Parkes Showground Land Manager (PSLM) - formerly the Showground Trust - has had to make the difficult decision to demolish the buildings sooner rather than later.
The PSLM was allocated $206,250 from the NSW Government's COVID-19 stimulus program in March for the demolition.
PSLM chairman Tim O'Brien said they had hoped to secure the significant grant funding needed for the new pavilion prior to the demolition so they could build it in its place.
But health and safety concerns have forced the board's hands.
Mr O'Brien said the decision was made following advice they received and that they "would need a certificate of safety to continue using the area".
"In order to obtain this certificate, we would need to have an engineer's report completed to ensure the safety of the building," he said.
"The cost of this action is considered prohibitive and unlikely to be positive, the report would no doubt insist on certain repairs, limiting use of the pavilions while being done."
The main pavilion was structurally damaged by January's supercell storm, increasing the risk for users.
Despite temporary repairs to the pavilion Mr O'Brien said the board reached the decision to cease use and fast-track the demolition for the health and safety of the general public.
The demolition will include the main exhibit pavilion, commercial pavilion, arts and craft pavilion, photography pavilion and the bird pavilion - all more than 100 years old.
"The board is fully aware of the impact this has on the users of these facilities, including the Parkes PA & H Association and Can Assist, however the safety of the users is paramount," Mr O'Brien said.
"We will continue to pursue opportunities to restore the event capabilities these buildings provide for our community."
With no demolition date as yet, the board is looking to call for tender by the end of May.
"Hopefully it will be done before the Parkes Show, but if it isn't the public still won't be able to use it."
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