Plans to bring one of Orange's oldest buildings into the 21st century have received a boost after a development application was approved by Orange City Council this week.
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The $3.2 million refurbishment of the Duntryleague mansion includes installing a lift and ensuite bathrooms in guest rooms to boost its attraction and accessibility.
It must be an impediment to getting the house full.
- Cr Russell Turner
Cr Russell Turner said it was a "fantastic" development. It's not all going to be done overnight but it would certainly would be a welcome improvement as far as putting in the lift," he said.
He said it would bring an end to "little old ladies lugging suitcases up the stairs. It must be an impediment to getting the house full."
Sponsorship funding will now be sought by Duntryleague to pay for the work.
The design work for the plans was done by Sydney heritage architect Ian Stapleton.
It has received general approval from NSW Heritage.
POOL PASS
A $100 summer pass for children to have unlimited use of the Orange Aquatic Centre for two months has been supported by the council.
The planned pass, along with other changes to council fees and charges, is now due to go on public exhibition for 28 days before it can be introduced.
Parents would be able to use a state government Active Kids voucher, also valued at $100, to pay for the pool pass, effectively creating free entry for children.
The government supplies two vouchers a year per child to encourage participation in sport and recreation.
The changes also include halving the hire cost of the Orange Civic Theatre to encourage more companies to book the venue for performances following the pandemic which has seen 112 shows cancelled or delayed.
MORE TRAINS
Council also agreed at its meeting on Tuesday night to support a push by the Orange Rail Action Group for improved train services to Orange.
Cr Scott Munro said ORAG had done a lot of work including with surrounding councils and groups to prepare a report.
Cr Jason Hamling said it was a "no brainer" as more train services were desirable.
"It's all about lobbying the government to set what we can get," he said.
However, Cr Kevin Duffy said there was a need for more information including where trains would be housed in Orange, travel times and what the demand was for train travel.
"Let us know what the stats are and what the true information is," he said.
Cr Stephen Nugent said while it was a state government decision the role of ORAG and council was to lobby the government for improved transport.
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