A DEVELOPMENT application to demolish the old ‘cordial factory’ at the C.H. Smith site has been lodged with the Launceston City Council.
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The DA follows at least five separate reports of the building at the end of Canal Street, that all came to the same conclusion – it should be demolished.
Work on the proposed $30 million Brile project has been stalled for about 17 months, however the developer resubmitted an amended DA early this month.
The proposed project is for a three-storey development with up to 20 shops and eateries.
According to the Irene Inc & Smith Street Studio report, the building which first appeared on a map in 1838, was ‘‘in poor condition and at high risk of structural failure’’.
The report goes on to say, ‘‘In its current state it will create a safety risk to contractors and the public if any restoration works were to be undertaken’’.
‘‘Consequently the building cannot be repaired without a full demolition and reconstruction.’’
So bad is the structure of the building according to the report, that although some of the heritage elements could be saved, the integrity of those elements could not.
A report by heritage consultants Paul Davies, raises similar concerns - stating the only reason the building has not fallen over is for the supports that are holding it up, with even some of the bricks deteriorating to dust when touched.
It states only small aspects of the building could be retained now - including some joinery, roof framing, the stone base and 50 per cent of the bricks.
Paul Davies states a conservative estimate to restore the building would be $600,000.
It has previously been reported that the cordial factory was one of Launceston’s first waterfront buildings and initially used to store flour produced on the Supply River at Deviot.
As a creek ran past the factory, flour brought from Deviot could be shipped straight to its door but this changed with the reclamation of land.