The final few staff left the office on June 17 last year, with historical maps offered to Orange Regional Museum. 

Concerned a decision could be made on the site before the community could make a bid, or worse demolished, mayor Reg Kidd met with Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless to discuss handing the building to the council.

It followed previous pushes by then-councillor Neil Jones as early as 2015, followed by a written expression of interest from Orange City Council. 

“It’s in a central spot and it would make a great community asset,” Cr Kidd said.

“I’m trying to get it bequeathed to the community of Orange – it’s always been a public building and it’s been paid for by the people, so why don’t they give it back?”

Mr Jones had suggested it could be used as a replacement for Orange Cultural Centre in Sale Street and Cr Kidd agreed it would be appropriate.

He said the groups who used the centre, including the lacemakers, lapidary club and art group, had to schedule meetings carefully to avoid double-ups and the Lands building would provide extra space.

“It’s easy to get to, there’s heaps of parking, there’s lots of rooms,” he said.

“There’s also an election next year.”

According to Property NSW, the building’s status has not changed since last year.

A spokeswoman reiterated no decision had been made on the future use of the site and options for the building would be considered pending a review of whether the property was surplus to government needs.

“Current government policy allows the sale of surplus government sites to local councils for community uses in certain circumstances,” she said.

“Any submission from Orange City Council may be considered under this policy.”