Fire ripped through the iconic building last December, destroying the roof and the interior of the premises.

And, since that time, the site has remained inactive, much to the chagrin of the locals.

But, Muswellbrook Shire Council is working tirelessly to rectify the situation.

Staff have been operating behind the scenes to secure, assess, plan and resource the remediation of the Denman Memorial Hall.

The foremost concerns in this matter are community safety, the wishes of residents regarding the hall’s future usage, the preservation of the town’s heritage, and the efficient expenditure of public funds.

Council’s integrated planning unit manager Fiona Plesman explained the steps that had occurred to address the damage.

“Our first priority was to ensure the safety of the building, including removing any risk to neighbouring properties and the community generally,” she said.

“This work began immediately with securing the site and removal of external debris.

“The police investigated the fire but no determination as to the cause was made.

“We had to make sure the building and site were safe.

“In early January, the insurers’ assessor and engineer inspected the site with council to assess the extent of damage.

“Following this inspection, work began by a licensed demolition and asbestos removal contractor to decontaminate the building, and secure and support the roof under instruction from the engineer.

“A letter written on behalf of council by the occupational hygienist was distributed to neighbours of the building and the main street businesses and residents about the work in advance.

“This took place through January and February.

“In late February, the insurer’s engineer began preparing a draft scope of works for the restoration of the Denman Memorial Hall, which took a number of months to investigate and prepare having to consider a number of issues - including heritage.

“We then referred the scope of works to the occupational hygienist for comment.”

Ms Plesman said council raised a number of concerns in June with the insurer as to the extent of the scope of works.

“In July, while knowing that it would extend the resolution of the scope of works, council sought a second opinion from NSW Public Works Advisory in regards to suitability of proposed remediation and repair methods,” she said.

“The review recommended a number of items that required adjustment.

“These relate to buildability, work methodology and the possible presence of hazardous materials. 

“Council has now engaged a quantity surveyor – who attended the site this month – to provide a Cost Plan Estimate for the remediation works and a fire remediation specialist to provide advice on the statements made within the draft scope of works.

“This is expected to be received, possibly, this week.

“Council will then provide this information for the insurer’s consideration.

“While seeking a second opinion has delayed the assessment process, council wants to ensure that the scope of works finally agreed upon with the insurer is satisfactory to restore Denman Memorial Hall and achieve the best outcome possible for the community.”