ORANGE councillors have voted to demolish the historic CF Williams building in Peisley Street despite opposition from historians who say the building could have been re-purposed for use as a storage space.
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Following the decision, which was made at last week’s council meeting, contractors are now being sought to demolish the building.
Historian Phil Stevenson had earlier asked for debate about the building’s future to be held in the public arena however the decision to pull down the building was eventually made in closed council.
Council spokesperson Nick Redmond said the decision to discuss the fate of the building privately was made to protect the interests of community funds.
“There were items in the report that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on someone to the detriment of community funds,” he said.
“It should also be noted that purchase price has been made public and if the project proceeds to demolition it will be via tender and the winning tender price will also be made public.”
Mr Redmond said the demolition development application will be advertised and go before an open meeting of council for consideration.
Mr Stevenson had wanted council to look at other options for the building’s use including using it as a storage facility for the Orange Regional Gallery and the Orange Regional Museum, which is still under construction.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au