St John's orphanage is not salvageable - report

The report was commissioned by owner John Ferrara at Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s direction following major fires on November 4 and 5.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the engineering assessment was passed on to planning staff.

“I haven’t seen it but it says the building is not salvageable and should be demolished,” he told the Post.

But that’s not the end of the matter. Any demolition, other than those complying with a recent emergency order to render the site secure, would require a development application, a council spokesman said.

“Any development application will need to include a heritage impact assessment, further structural reports and any demolition and reuse proposals. If a DA is lodged this will include community consultation, as is the normal process.”

Mr Ferrara was advised of this process after discussing development opportunities for the site. He has previously tried to build a residential subdivision aimed at retirees on the large Mundy Street property. After this was abandoned, Mr Ferrara lodged a nine-lot subdivision application, which had not progressed.

Cr Kirk said Mr Ferrara did not detail his future hopes for the site. The latter could not be reached for comment. 

He had erected fencing around the main building following police concerns that people would continue to break into the site and endanger their safety. Under the order, Mr Ferrara also had to employ security.

Currently, he is also tackling asbestos content in the 1912 structure. The spokesman said a hygienist confirmed that asbestos had been found on the site and Mr Ferrara was cooperating with the council as he “undertook (its) safe removal and disposal”.

Cr Kirk said this could be accommodated at the tip.