WEISSEL'S LAST STAND

By Rebekah Holliday
Updated November 7 2012 - 11:30am, first published December 16 2008 - 10:49pm
WEISSEL'S LAST STAND
WEISSEL'S LAST STAND

THE first signs that development could soon swing into action at Eric Weissel Oval is waiting in the wings.An application to demolish “the hill” and grandstand is awaiting approval by Wagga City Council, lodged by landowners McIntyre Nash Pty Ltd.For those who still feel sentimental towards the former heartland of rugby league in Wagga, there is good news. According to developer Scott Nash, it is hoped a buyer can be found for the grandstand and possibly for the light-towers. “The grandstand is only a bolt-together thing and the light-towers probably have some value. As to when work would start if the application was approved, it just depends, maybe in January,” Mr Nash said yesterday.“It will depend on the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), our workload and if a buyer can be found for the grandstand.” The $90,000 in demolition works includes the removal of fencing, broadcast box, change rooms and “the hill”.The ramshackle site is an eyesore, say residents who were pleased when they received notification in the post that the demolition works had been applied for.“It looks pretty terrible at the moment. Why council didn’t buy it, I’ll never understand,” said Judy Shaw, a neighbouring resident of 52 years.Another long-time neighbour of 50 years agreed.“I’ll be glad to see it cleaned up – it’s an eyesore. I’m worried about what might be built though. If it’s just houses, it will be fine,” said Mrs Hilton.Mr Nash said they would start construction on a residential estate tomorrow if they could.“On September 26, 2005, council resolved to amend the LEP to rezone the land from private recreation to residential. We’d like to start building houses there tomorrow – it (the LEP) is one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever had to wait for,” said Mr Nash.“We made it available to rugby league whenever they wanted it. We didn’t want to get local rugby league offside. After all, they had lost their ground and had nowhere to go but they’re set-up now.”The public consultation process on the proposed demolition works closes on December 22.

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