Historic Caldwell House could be converted into inner-city units or hotel/motel-style accommodation after a government planning panel this week recommended it be saved from demolition.
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The Western Regional Planning Panel backed Orange City Council's call to save the Sale Street building after the building's owners, Health Infrastructure, lodged a development application to knock it down.
Health Infrastructure, a state government body, had said the building was so riddled with asbestos after it had been attacked by vandals, that the asbestos-removal costs would render it too expensive to save.
It would lend itself to a great unit development
- Cr Reg Kidd, Orange mayor
However the WRPP finding said it should be saved for its heritage values.
Architect James Nicholson raised his concerns about the demolition plan back in 2018 when he told the Central Western Daily the asbestos would still need to be removed even if it was knocked down.
The WRPP took three months to determine its finding and sought details of the relative costs of saving and demolishing the building.
The WRPP's recommendation to save the building will now go to state Planning Minister Rob Stokes for approval.
Mr Nicholson said he was pleased with the decision and hoped the minister heeded the advice.
He said the decision had been achieved with the council's extensive report on why it should be saved.
Mr Nicholson said once it was remediated the building had several uses.
"It would work quite well for class 5 office use," he said.
That includes professional offices for lawyers and accountants.
Mr Nicholson said it might also suit an accommodation site such as a hotel/motel.
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said it would suit inner-city living.
"It would lend itself to a great unit development," he said.
Cr Kidd said its historic facade would be attractive to developers.
"Have a look at how popular the woolstores are at Darling Harbour. They have been converted into units," he said.
Cr Kidd said its location near the DPIE building and a planned inner-city living complex and central park on adjacent land would be attractive to developers.
"There is a huge housing demand," he said.
Health Infrastructure was contacted for comment.
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