AFTER an eight-month wait, construction on the former Myer building might not be far away, with an updated development application recommended for approval.
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Orange City Council staff accepted the latest development application (DA) to demolish all but the Summer Street, Post Office Lane and western facades and build a steel structure behind for a major tenancy, a mini-major tenancy, 13 speciality shops and two kiosks.
Orange City Centre manager Alceon Group would also lease an area in Post Office Lane for outdoor dining following negotiations with the council in an attempt to preserve the original basement.
But there have also been 19 conditions recommended to protect remaining heritage features and restore others.
Councillors will have the final decision on the (DA) at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night.
Senior planner Andrew Crump said engineers’ findings, the building’s heritage significance and its economic importance had been assessed equally and staff were satisfied the conditions would strike the right balance.
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But he also said the disruption to the building could not be understated.
“The measures employed to mitigate the loss of fabric imposed via conditions of consent should be seen as non-negotiable,” he said.
“In other words, the development should be deemed unacceptable by council unless each and every condition recommended in this report are imposed.”
Mr Crump also noted while council staff might have accepted the extent of the demolition, fresh discoveries during construction requiring further removal would “not be tolerated”.
The council sought independent advice, which said keeping more of the building was possible, but Alceon said it did not address structural concerns, safe construction or its retail function.
Council staff have insisted on an arcade feel inside the building with use of salvaged pressed metal, columns, traditional pendants and the original roof light.
Requirements have also been added to restore the Summer Street facade to its 1928 state, including arched windows and parapet urns.
The council will require the two original timber goods pulleys and basement spiral staircase to be placed in prominent locations.
Salvaged timber flooring from the ground floor must also be displayed across six interpretation windows in Post Office Lane.