Former Hospital Site

22 August 2017

At the time that Orange City Council considered planning approvals for the demolition, an environmental assessment was completed by independent consultants.

The 'Statement of Environment Effects' examined the stages of the demolition, and outlined the actions that would need to be taken to minimise impact on the neighbourhood.

This assessment covered topics such as noise, dust, contamination and hazardous materials.

These documents can be downloaded here.

Introductory Summary

Appendix A – Indicative demolition methodology

Appendix B – Stage I contamination assessment

Appendix C – Stage II contamination assessment

Appendix D – Hazardous Materials Technical Removal Plan and Hazardous Building Material Assessment

Appendix E – Final Remedial Action Plan

Appendix F – Noise and vibration assessment

Appendix G – Heritage assessments

Appendix H – Plans

Since the initial demolition plans were drafted a number of subsequent changes have been made.

These are described here...(link to be inserted)

23 August 2017

The process of Orange City Council taking on ownership of the site, exploring its future and arranging for the demolition to begin has taken a number of years.

This list includes a number of the key milestones.

By July 2017, when contracts were signed for the demolition, the decision had been taken that every building on the site, apart from the former ambulance station on the corner of Anson and Prince Streets, would be demolished. The contract was awarded to Albury-based firm, Zauner Constructions.

In June 2017, Orange City Council decided to explore a proposed re-zoning for the site. The re-zoning would let a large public administration building be constructed, such as a new home for the DPI head office in Orange.

In July 2016, the Development Application for the demolition of the former hospital buildings went on-show for community comment. At that stage of the project, the option of keeping the main hospital tower building was still on the table.

In May 2016 the purchase of the hospital site was finalised and the contract settled.

In April 2015 Orange City Council signed an agreement with Health Infrastructure to purchase of the old Orange Base Hospital. The sale price of the 2.1 hectare hospital site was $3.3 million. Council paid the NSW Government's Health Infrastructure department $1 million and $2.3 million would be be retained to cover the costs of demolition and remediation.