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COMING DOWN: The old 'B' Block accommodation building at the Visitor and Information Centre precinct.
Demolition of an old workers accommodation building in the Whyalla Visitor and Information Centre precinct will start next week.
A report submitted to elected members in April revealed it would cost $1.2m to completely restore ‘B’ Block and, at the very least, $473,444 to just stop the building deteriorating any further. An independent assessment of ‘B’ Block uncovered significant asbestos in the structure and termite damage.
Materials from the old ‘B’ Block have been earmarked for possible use in the restoration of some craft village buildings while the removal of the building will pave the way for Council to develop a total vision for the entire Visitor Centre precinct.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said Council had explored every avenue to preserve this building but, at the end of the day, it couldn’t justify spending more than a million dollars in ratepayer funds on this particular structure.
FALLING DOWN: Huge cracks in the doorway of 'B' Block.
The recommendation to demolish the building was approved by the elected members at the April ordinary meeting. The demolition cost is $90,000.
“No one likes to see old buildings knocked down but I don’t think anyone would like to see $1.2m spent on restoring this structure either,” Mr Cowley said.
“The issues of asbestos and termite damage compound the issue and point towards demolition being the best option.”
‘B’ Block was custom built in 1944 to house BHP workers in a restrictive dormitory style. It was one of many similar buildings constructed on the site with some already demolished and others utilised for other purposes.
CUSTOM BUILT: The domitory-style interior of 'B' Block.
“This building hasn’t been used for a long time and there has been no interest by the community in its use,” Mr Cowley said.
“Other buildings in the Tanderra Craft Village are in significantly better condition and could benefit from some of the materials from ‘B’ Block for simple and more cost-effective renovations.”
Preparations for the demolition will begin on Tuesday, September 3. Asbestos removal will start on the September 16 and the demolition will begin in the second week of October.
PAST IT: The 'domitory' windows at the rear of 'B' Block.