The canteen, change rooms and toilets block at Perry Oval is set to be demolished after a report found it was in need of major repair.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It has been recommended Orange City Council pay about $20,000 to knock down the facilities after the report said repairs would cost $122,000.
Council had set aside $50,000 in this year's budget to upgrade the oval.
The building has not been used since 2013 when it was found to contain asbestos.
A high level of ongoing maintenance will be required for the life of the structure.
- Cook and Roe structural engineers report
An inspection by structural engineers Cook and Roe last month found the building had major issues.
"Given the extensive rectification works and noting that a high level of ongoing maintenance will be required for the life of the structure, it is our opinion that council complete demolition and replacement of the amenities block that is more appropriate for the site conditions is the most viable and efficient option," the engineers found.
The report said the concrete slab was broken and would need fixing, the roof needed replacing, new gutters and downpipes were needed, all asbestos would need removing and the ground around the building need to be re-graded to allow water to run away from it.
It also said a large gum tree next to the building would need to be removed.
Other repairs needed including re-painting, replacing broken windows and assessing whether the plumbing and electrical wiring needed to be replaced.
It has been recommended council replace the building with a modular toilet block on the other side of the ground.
A staff report to council said even if the repairs were done it was likely ongoing maintenance and repair would be needed.
"With the large amount of work required to make the amenities serviceable again, it is unfeasible to undertake these works and it is recommended to demolish the building," it said.
"The current usage of Perry Oval is training for local teams and has been this way for over a decade.
"A new irrigation system is to be installed in this financial year to improve the field, but there are no plans for it to be utilised further other than for training purposes.
"With this limited amount of usage on the oval and other better equipped ovals in the city, an amenities building with a canteen and change room is deemed unnecessary for the site.
"Given the current usage of the site, it would be appropriate to install a modular unit or similar amenities."
It said that would cost $75,000 but there was no provision for it to be funded in this year's budget.
In June Cr Glenn Taylor said it was a shame the ground had deteriorated and wanted to see it restored to use for local sport.
He said it had been an important hub for the local community.
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...