Blowes Conservatory to get a make-over

Monday October 16, 2017.

Mayor Reg Kidd welcomed an announcement of funding from Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless to go towards restoring the Blowes Conservatory in Cook Park.

Mr Colless was in town on Monday to hand over a $100,000 novelty cheque, which Cr Kidd jokingly held on to tightly.

Cr Kidd said the money would go towards work on the buildings windows and woodwork, as well as necessary re-wiring to allow for a lighting upgrade.

“I can guarantee you we’ll spend [the money] because there’s a lot of work in there," Cr Kidd said.

“It’s nearly 80 years old and was donated at the time by a former mayor of Orange.”

Mr Colless said the funding was part of the state government's Heritage Near Me program.

“This grant money is being rolled out across NSW for buildings such as this that are in need of repair and have a great community benefit,” Mr Colless said.

Member for Orange Phil Donato was in Cook Park for the announcement and welcomed the funding, particularly given Cook Park's prominence within the city and its reputation.

“In my travels, a lot of people often say that Cook Park is one of the most beautiful parks in NSW,” he said.

“It’s an old building and old buildings need to be maintained and they are expensive to maintain. So it’s great to see this money being delivered for Orange.”

GIFT: Orange Mayor Reg Kidd, Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless and Member for Orange Phil Donato check out what needs to be improved on the 80-year-old Blowes Conservatory.