At which point does a building become so dilapidated, run-down and derelict that it all-but loses whatever heritage value it once had?
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There wouldn’t be too many people driving past Launceston’s CH Smith Building who see the value of what’s left of what once was one of Launceston’s grand buildings.
What remains is ruined. An eye-sore. A stain on the aesthetic values of our beautiful city.
For more than 20 years, the building has been vacant. Developers have come and gone, with now only Geelong-based property group Brile left standing as a potential saviour.
Last week, a deliberately lit fire in the shell of the CH Smith prompted calls from the public to tear the building down once and for all.
Recently appointed executive officer of Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Jan Davis, said that the property was “crying out for something to be done with it”.
“Having sites around the town that are left undeveloped is such a disappointment, it detracts from the look of this beautiful town,” Ms Davis said.
And that pretty much sums up the sentiment of most people when they think of CH Smith.
Owner Brile saw its original plan for a $30 million, multi-storey retail centre stall. It revised those plans in 2015 – opting for a smaller $16 million two-stage, two-storey development boasting a restaurant, cafe, retail and bulky goods store space, child care centre and parking.
That proposal did win support from the Launceston City Council, which approved the development application.
One issue the proponent has faced has been securing major tenants for its development.
The company lost JB Hi-Fi as a major interest – with the electronics chain opting for a site near Bunnings at Invermay.
Earlier this week, Brile said it was progressing with its plans. That’s certainly welcome news in what has been a chequered history for the site.
Whatever fate lies ahead for the CH Smith building, one can only hope that it progresses quickly – to the overall betterment of our city.
The residents have waited long enough for this eyesore to either be restored to its former glory, or demolished altogether.