DEMOLITION of the Dimboola Hotel will continue as planned after an 11th-hour bid to save it failed.
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Benalla-based Graeme Schneider spoke with owner Paul Rintel and demolition contractors last week and gained a short reprieve to try to rally community support to save the fire-gutted building as excavators moved in to demolish it.
He was given until Sunday night to find support.
Mr Schneider said although $100,000 was promised for the cause, retention of the facade and remaining shell in Lloyd Street would be in vain.
“Because of the costs and problems caused by removing the imposed court order – which requires complete demolition of the premises – the time constraints and expense to resolve this legal issue are considered too difficult to resolve,” he said.
“It would appear the remains of the former Dimboola Hotel structure are doomed.”
Mr Schneider thanked those who supported the concept.
Meanwhile, preliminary works to transform Dimboola’s Lochiel Street will start this week.
Hindmarsh Shire Council has finalised plans to create a vibrant streetscape environment between Lloyd Street and the Nine Creeks Reserve.
The project will provide a gateway into the reserve and the common by establishing a link between them and the town centre.
Council’s chief executive Tony Doyle said the beautification of Lochiel Street was an important project.
“Innovative landscaping features are designed to complement the existing Moreton Bay fig and peppercorn trees, and will become a centrepiece of the redevelopment,” he said.
“Timber salvaged from the recently-replaced Wimmera Street bridge will be crafted into an arbour, overlooking art murals across the street.”
Improvements to the drainage system will also form part of the project.
“The redevelopment of this part of Dimboola will greatly improve the amenity of the town, by providing a vibrant hub near the town centre,” Mr Doyle said.
He said full site construction was due to start next month.
The Lochiel Street Redevelopment has been funded through the Victorian Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Program, Putting Locals First, and Hindmarsh Shire Council contributions.