The new look heritage listed grandstand built in 1890, and luncheon room at the Parkes Showground.
As the Parkes PA & H Association would have celebrated its 140th show last year, the Parkes showground has many aged buildings including the heritage-listed grandstand built in 1890 in the late Victorian style.
Following some generous funding from the Federal Government, a lot of repairs and renovation have been done over recent months to improve the infrastructure at the showground. The grandstand required urgent replacement of seating, flooring and handrails due to its ongoing deterioration. Bird netting was also installed.
The brick luncheon room, erected in 1924 and skirting the rear of the heritage grandstand, also needed a makeover. Due to storm activity over the years, the iron roof sheeting and box guttering had deteriorated which had caused some serious leakage which partially destroyed the ceiling of the luncheon room. Also, due to a lack of ongoing maintenance, vandalism and storm damage, doors, windowsills and windows needed to be replaced.
The animal nursery and environmental shed were also demolished and a bigger and better animal nursery was built in its place.
With all the work complete, “we hope to expand the use of these spaces to other community groups including car clubs, agricultural clubs, rodeo, circus, flora/fauna exhibitions, markets and more,” said Secretary of the Parkes P.A. & H. Association Liz Brown.
She said as the 140th show had to be cancelled last year due to COVID, “we will now be proud to deliver a great show to the Parkes community this year. It will also give us an opportunity to showcase some of new facilities including the completely upgraded luncheon room, baby change room, the new and improved animal nursery and the renovated grandstand. We look forward to seeing you all there and to celebrate this achievement with us!”
– By Maggi Barnard