Deniliquin Town Hall upgrades begin

The more than $6 million project also incudes the creation of a community park space between the two historic buildings, at the eastern end of Cressy St.

Shepparton based company Moretto Building was officially appointed as the project contractor with the signing of contracts on Friday.

Managing director Frank Moretto said Deniliquin businesses Barnetts Deniliquin and Toby McLean Painting have already been sub-contracted to assist.

He said up to 10 different trades would be required throughout the 11 month project, and said most would be sub-contracted from the local area.

‘‘We want to utilise as many local trades as we can,’’ Mr Moretto said.

‘‘Other than us (Moretto Building) we expect only one other trade will need to come in from back home (Shepparton).’’

Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan said the aim is to have the project completed by September next year, but Mr Moretto said good conditions could see it completed earlier.

Work will begin on the $4.2 million Deniliquin Town Hall redevelopment first.

Cr Brennan said all four stages can now be delivered thanks to council contributions and various government grants awarded to council gradually since 2017.

‘‘Stages one and two of the development include the refurbishment of the existing town hall and foyer, office, ticket/cloak room and minor works to the meeting room,’’ he said.

‘‘Stage three includes sound proofing of the meeting room areas, external painting, relocation of the toilets and construction of a new foyer and lobby area that provides external access to the side of the town hall and ensures access for all abilities.

‘‘Stage four will renovate the change rooms and under stage areas.’’

A $79,000 commercial kitchen was built at the Town Hall in 2010 and has never been used.

Soon after its completion, in 2011, structural concerns forced the closure of the Town Hall.  While the structural issues were repaired, use of the facility has been limited because of the need for upgrades.

The Estates building will be refurbished to include a new council chambers, reception area and other meeting rooms.

The existing demountable administration building will be relocated to Edward River Council’s north Deniliquin depot, and replaced with the public courtyard.

While work is taking place, customer services operations will be available at Deniliquin Library and public council meetings with be held at the NSW Rural Fire Service control centre at Deniliquin Airport.

Mr Moretto said this will be the first time his company has worked in Deniliquin.

He said he tendered for the project for the opportunity to work on such historically significant buildings.

‘‘I put my hand up because of the age and type of the building,’’ he said.

‘‘I have worked on buildings like these before, but you don’t get too many of them around any more.’’

Land for Deniliquin Town Hall was allocated in 1870, and the Italian-style structure completed and opened in 1886.

The Estates building, originally built as a new Union Bank of Australia, was completed in 1899.