A RIVERLAND council is set to vote on the possibility of demolishing a prominent river-front building and adding a future visitor information centre (VIC) at the location.
Renmark Paringa councillors last night – at a special council meeting – voted whether to pass numerous amendments to the draft expression of interest documents for the former Westpac building at 180 Murray Avenue, Renmark, based on the results of a recent public consultation.
A Renmark Paringa Council report said the location’s future use was still to be decided.
“There are simple options like creating open space, leasing the property or selling the property...” the report said.
“There are also more complex options like the creation of a future economic opportunity, which until concepts are tested with the market to determine commercial viability, are vague and unknown.
“Council must always make informed decisions that are based on the best available information, and investing the time and effort in obtaining the information to inform those decisions is therefore vital.
“It is intended that the key themes that are identified from the public consultation are distilled and used to refine the desired terms of the expression of interest to be released to the commercial market.”
Amendments to the documentation include removal of the existing building “with the possible exception of the art deco facade”, incorporating an area of open space on the river side of the site, plus “a modern and fit-for-purpose VIC within the scope of any future economic opportunity”.
The report said “the majority” of responses received were in favour of demolishing the current building.
“The consultation drew out some differing thoughts between the retention or demolition of the existing building,” the report said.
“Some of those wanting economic activation of the site saw benefit in retaining and refurbishing the existing building due to the heritage value… and others saw greater value of beginning with a greenfield site.
“Those that are interested in retaining it seem to appreciate the architectural aesthetics, as it integrates with other art deco buildings through the town.”
The report said concerns were raised regarding the number of available parking spaces at the site.
“There is a reasonable provision of on-street parking in the vicinity of the site and the long vehicle bays – for those towing or in recreational vehicles – are approximately 100 metres away on Renmark Avenue,” the report said.
“While not having a dedicated on-site car park for the site may present a planning challenge, there are approximately 778 car parks within 300 metres of the site.”
Westpac confirmed to council in March 2020 it would depart the premises in order to occupy a shared-location with BankSA at 2 Ral Ral Avenue.