Tenterfield Shire Council is looking to offload the Band Hall in Crown Street that greets shoppers as they exit Henry Parkes Plaza, and turn the vacated land into car parking.
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The hall is deemed too expensive to maintain with a current repair bill in the realm of $200,000 to bring it up to what's considered a serviceable level.
Councillor Gary Verri sought and received the support of the majority of his fellow councillors at their last meeting to seek expressions of interest to remove the building. Crs Michael Petrie, Bob Rogan, John Macnish and Brian Murray, however, recorded their votes against the motion.
"Given the amount of use of the hall, council would be better off to sell it," Cr Verri said. "There are several other venues around Tenterfield that can be used by groups that at present may use the hall."
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The Tenterfield Gem and Mineral Club leases the hall, with a portion of its 20-strong membership meeting there weekly (prior to COVID restrictions). Club president Allan Williams feels the repair figure is grossly inflated, with just some work needed on the roofing and the porch timbers, the replacement of some weatherboards on the back wall and a coat of paint. The floor coverings could also do with a refreshment, but he feels some commercial lino would do the job.
What's more the club installed the kitchen and display cabinets, and contributed half the cost of the air-conditioning and safety mesh.
"It hasn't cost them a bomb," Mr Williams said.
The club isn't packing its bags just yet. Mr Williams feels the proposal may become a non-issue, with the heritage listing of the building presenting some challenges for its relocation.
Expressions of interest close October 6.
