Project update #6

Demolition of 8 River Street building deemed best way forward

A building at 8 River Street, earmarked for a refurbished food and beverage outlet, will be demolished.

The existing structure, formerly Maria's Donkey and more recently Don Daniels, is structurally compromised and not suitable for refurbishment.

It will be demolished, and the riverbank site reinstated.

A portion of the budget council had committed for refurbishment of the building will be used for investigating design options for the development of the prime riverfront site.

Director Planning, Growth & Sustainability Aletta Nugent said demolition was the best decision in terms of safety and financial responsibility.

“This will make the area safe,’’ she said.

“It will also provide a greenfield option for a new development on this prime site, with activation of the space in the interim,’’ she said.

“A new greenfield option will help capitalise on the site’s potential, including over-water opportunities, and include flood immunity in any new build.’