It’s been several years now since racegoers arrived at the 2014 Cowra Picnic Races to discover that the showground’s grand old grandstand had been demolished.
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At the time many would have looked across at the “newer” of the two grandstands and asked the question “why wouldn’t you knock that eyesore down”.
I am sure the body responsible for the site, the Cowra Showground Trust has been working behind the scenes to replace the stand.
In the meantime a large gaping hole still remains at the site as a reminder of where the stately grandstand used to stand.
The grandstand was obviously in urgent need of repairs.
It had been left to fall into a state of disrepair for far too long.
The Showground Trust wisely commenced action to repair and restore one of Cowra’s few remaining heritage structures.
So what happened?
Many in the community are still asking why the grandstand was demolished instead of restored, especially those who donated money towards its restoration.
The old Cowra Showground grandstand was a huge asset to the Cowra community, admittedly not in the state it was in, but repaired and restored it was an asset.
At showtime the grandstand provided sheltered tiered seating with kitchen and dining facilities underneath which was also utilised by the Cowra Jockey Club and the Cowra Harness Racing fraternity.
No one could argue that the facilities beneath the stand needed substantial work to bring them anywhere near up to scratch but when in use the old bar was heavily patronised as was the restaurant.
The grandstand also offered protection for patrons from the weather.
Not to mention the historical merits of this beautiful building.
So why was it knocked down?
A Structural Engineer was engaged to write a report on the structural stability of the building which bought to light wood rot and termite damage.
Did the damage warrant the building being demolished?
Did the report recommend that the grandstand be demolished?
After seeking advice from from Cowra Council regarding the procedure necessary to demolish a building the Cowra Showground Trust demolished the grand old lady over the Easter long weekend in 2014.
Was a DA for the demolition submitted to Cowra Council – if so why wasn’t it publicly advertised for comment, as is the norm?
After the demolition what happened to the money from the public fund raising for the grandstand seats?
What has happened to the money donated by the Cowra Jockey Club?
Whilst a new grandstand is obviously now needed who is going to pay for it?
A new structure would cost millions, not hundreds of thousands and the cost would blow out even further if the grandstand left on the grounds is also demolished.
This grandstand has never been a favourite of mine, not from day one of its construction but it does serve a purpose.
Some say it has extensive concrete cancer, a claim disputed by others.
So why demolish this grandstand as well.
Would it be to make the application process easier for a government grant for a replacement grandstand at the showground?
There is no suggestion of impropriety by anyone or any organisation involved in the showground and the demolition process or the collection of the public money which occurred before the old grandstand was demolished, I am certain however that the public, especially those who donated money, would like to know:
- Where the project is up to?
- Where the records are of the public donations?
- How the Trust proposes to raise the funds needed for a new grandstand?
Andrew Fisher