Sad news this week came through that the main pavilion and five adjoining pavilions at the Parkes Showgrounds will have to be demolished.
The main pavilion and adjoining five pavilions at the Parkes Showgrounds will be demolished following structural damage caused by the super cell storm event in January.
The Parkes Showground Land Manager (PSLM), formally the Showground Trust, had to make the difficult decision this week. Chairman of the PSLM, Tim O’Brien said a certificate of safety was required to continue using the area. “In order to obtain this certificate, we would need to have an engineer’s report completed to ensure the safety of the building. The cost of this action is considered prohibitive and unlikely to be positive as the report would no doubt insist on certain repairs, limiting use of the pavilions while being done.”
Despite temporary repairs to the pavilion following the storm event, the Showground Board reached the decision to cease use and fast track the demolition with particular consideration to the health and safety of the current users and the general public. “The board is fully aware of the impact this has on the users of these facilities, including the Parkes PA & H Association and CanAssist, however the safety of the users is paramount.”
“We will continue to pursue opportunities to restore the event capabilities that these buildings provide for our community,” said Tim.