The future of the historic Caldwell House and Old Nurses Quarters buildings in Sale Street is looking grim after its owners have renewed a push for demolition.
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They have forwarded updated reports to Orange City Council stating the historic buildings are so contaminated with asbestos they cannot be saved.
Thieves stealing copper from the buildings have disrupted asbestos throughout the buildings.
The updated development application, currently on exhibition at the council, said expert assessments showed the only viable option was demolition.
Air movement through these cavities results in a high level of exposure through vents, windows and doors.
- Asbestos report in updated DA
"The distribution of asbestos pipe lagging has occurred throughout all areas of the building," it said.
The reports also said residual asbestos was in inaccessible areas of the building including timber in the roof cavity and roof tiles.
It said it was also evident in wall cavities.
"Air movement through these cavities results in a high level of exposure through vents, windows and doors," it said.
The report also said a clearance certificate for asbestos removal could not be granted without the buildings being demolished.
"Demolition is the only option to guarantee clearance of the site in terms of asbestos removal to allow the site and precinct area to be re-developed and re-energised," it said.
"It is important to note than even if the front facade and verandah could be theoretically retained the asbestos contaminated material cannot effectively be removed."
A Heritage Impact Statement supplied with the DA has suggested that any new building on the site should incorporate the name Caldwell and include the foundation stone and brass tablet marking the building's opening as nurses' quarters in 1937.
It also recommends detailed photography of the buildings.
The re-advertised DA is on public exhibition online and at the council. Public submissions must be lodged by 5pm on October 30.
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