Hotel Australasia owner Rodney Thompson is adamant that no tenders have been awarded for the controversial demolition of the building, despite rumours to the contrary circulating around the town.
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Mr Thompson said three companies were looking to tender at this stage.
Tenders for the demolition of the old hotel to make way for a new supermarket close at the Eden of this month.
“I’m just handling paperwork at the moment,” Mr Thompson told the Magnet late last week.
Eden builder Neil Rankin, from Rankin Builders, confirmed his company was in the process of applying.
“It’s definitely still in the tender stage,” Mr Rankin said.
Mr Rankin feels optimistic about his chances, given that he is a local and has been building supermarkets for a long time.
“We haven’t got it yet but we’re in the best position to do it,” Mr Rankin said.
“I’ve been building supermarkets since I was 16 years old.”
Mr Rankin said that whichever company was successful, it would take a while before the demolishing of the old pub began in order to make it safe for the public.
The Magnet understands that Eden contractor J Michelin and Son is also one of the three companies submitting tenders.
With the tender process closing soon, it appears the Australasia’s final days are fast approaching.
Mr Thompson said he was in the process of "fitting out plans now” for the new supermarket.
Bega Valley Shire Council has set down 81 detailed conditions of approval that must be met prior to, during and after demolition by the contracted party.
There is a chance for members of the public to obtain parts of the old building during this demolition process.
The details of condition 33 include that the following material from the existing development to be carefully removed and stockpiled (but not cleaned, de-nailed, repaired or made good, as the case may be) on the development site during the demolition phase of the works:
. All 1905-06 bricks in reasonable condition.
. All 1905-06 timber framed windows and doors (including sidelights) in reasonable condition. Avoid breakage of glass or damage to timber work. Windows and doors are to be stored out of the weather.
. The 1905-06 period four-panel doors, especially those to the upstairs bedrooms, where in good condition. Retain period hardware, hinges etc.
. The internal staircase, in a manner that retains the separate flights of stairs. Retain individual elements removed during the process (e.g. newel posts, rails, balusters, skirtings, etc) and store out of weather.
. Floor bearers and joists, roof beams, rafters etc that are in good condition.
. At or near completion of the demolition phase of the works the developer is to give notice in writing to the council advising the council that the foregoing used building materials will be available for pick-up or collection (by members of the public) from the site during the standard working hours for a period of not less than 14 days. The developer may at its absolute discretion retain any used building materials for reuse or resale.