
project to replace the old Coach House and create a new visitor underground mining
experience. Pictured yesterday on site are LMJR builders Richard Murphy, Luke Ryan and David Ryan with Cobar Shire Council staff Meike Griffiths, Kay Stingemore and Demi Smith as well as Council’s site project manager Jacob Crane from Jenarc.
Three years after the Great Cobar Museum underwent a $2.4million refurbishment and re-opened its doors, more builders are back on site ready to start work on Phase 2 of the project.
Funding for Phase 2 project work to replace the Coach House and create a new underground mining experience was announced at the museum’s grand re-opening ceremony on November 30, 2021 by Sam Farraway MLC.
However the start date of the project was delayed due to increases in materials and labour prices which resulted in the initial project costings coming in over budget.
After a re-design of the project, the Phase 2 work is now going ahead.
Cobar Shire Council’s project coordinator, Meike Griffiths reports that Dubbo-based, LMJR Building Pty Ltd, have been contracted to carry out the work.
Mrs Griffiths said the site fence has been installed and contractors began work on-site this week.
“The work will see the demolition of the existing Coach House shed, making way for a new, purpose-built facility,” Mrs Griffiths explained.
“This upgraded space will provide a secure home for our treasured exhibits while enhancing the visitor experience.
“It will also feature an interactive underground mining experience, offering insights into the challenging work environment of our miners,” she said.
The project has been funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Cobar Shire Council and it’s hoped the new facilities will be open to visitors before the end of the year.