residents’ minds following the partial collapse of a brick front siding of a building in Marshall Street on Saturday and discussions about the demolition of the Town Hall due to its neglected state. This church was built in 1900, and it’s later years had a couple of private owners, with the last owner acquiring the building in 2005. Prior to its collapse in 2012, it had been vacant for a number of years.
Dear editor
In reply to the poignant letters to the editor in The Cobar Weekly November 12, 2025 edition, I would like to put forward my reasons why the Town Hall should not remain.
In reference to Cobar Shire Council’s Masterplan put forward in May 2024, one can see how much work and cost is required to comply with safety regulations to make the building habitable and usable.
Once the roof, window frames, possibly the floor, removal of auxiliary building (not original), toilets, and the list goes on, there really isn’t much of the original Town Hall left.
As stated in the masterplan there is no architectural beauty, but maybe some historical resonance attached to the building.
I can understand sentimentality but I have to agree with Cr Chris Deighton’s comments (made at the October Ordinary Meeting and reported The Cobar Weekly’s article October 29, 2025), we should start utilising what we already have in town for proposed activities.
I support the feasibility assessment to develop a strategic use and investment plan to accommodate commercial and mixed uses and demolish the building.
I don’t believe Council, and ultimately the ratepayer, can afford to keep supporting more “unnecessary” infrastructure.
While it may be okay to have capital works funded by grants, the ongoing maintenance and costs are sponsored by the ratepayers.
If it is decided the Town Hall is to stay and utilised, potential users should consider what the fees and charges would be and question will it be affordable.
Nothing these days is free and maintenance costs will need to be met for sustainability.
It appears Council is already struggling to meet budget requirements.
After witnessing the partial collapse on Saturday of an older style building in Marshall Street and collapse of the Presbyterian Church several years ago, one must also consider the safety to the public in keeping structurally unsound buildings.
Julie Payne, Cobar
