Slice of shire history up for grabs

The former Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission (WCIC) located in Chelmsford Place will be auctioned off this month. 

The building, which is currently unoccupied, is owned by the state government. 

Over the years it has been home to many different government bodies and organisations that have helped to shape the Leeton shire region and wider MIA as it is known today. 

The building was officially opened in September, 1938 and remains a significant piece of historical architecture in Leeton. 

Leeton Family and Local History Society president Wendy Senti said the building was a significant part of the shire’s history. 

“It was the hub of the WCIC in the very early days when it was built,” she said. 

“A lot of people were employed and worked from the building. 

“I don’t think Leeton would be here today without the WCIC, so the building does have quite a lot of historical significance.”

The building is currently listed on the NSW Heritage Register.

The listing followed on from a study by Dr Peter Kabaila of heritage buildings in the shire. 

Mrs Senti said the historical significance of the building was still relevant today. 

“It’s still very recognisable,” she said. 

“It’s a large building near the centre of town that has some lovely art deco features. 

“All of that contributes to Leeton as we know it today. 

“Of course the Historic Hydro (Motor Inn) is located across the road.”

Mrs Senti was hopeful any new owner would use the building to its full potential. 

“As it is on the heritage register it can’t be changed on the outside,” she said.

“I believe the staircase on the inside is the same. 

“It would be great to just see it full again and being used in way or another. It’s a great asset to Leeton.”

The building can be found at 27-33 Chelmsford Place and has been listed as a “flexible commercial opportunity”. 

It has three floors of office space, meaning there is plenty of room for one business or a number of different enterprises. 

In a new move for Leeton, the auction for the building will be conducted online from October 14 to 21. 

Griffith Real Estate and CI Australia are the co-agents looking after the upcoming auction.

Griffith Real Estate company director Brian Bertolin said there had been some interest in the property. 

“We have had various inquiries into the building, which is pleasing,” he said. 

“It is a privilege to be selling it. It’s a magnificent building. 

“We are very excited to see what a buyer will do with it. 

“Any investment is good in a town the size of Leeton. 

“It would be great to see this great building occupied again. There’s plenty of opportunity there.”

Leeton shire resident Glenn Ferguson worked in the building from 1982 to October, 2008 as an engineer in various capacities. 

He hoped to see the building return to its former glory days where up to 80 people would work in the office space at any given time. 

Mr Ferguson has fond memories of his time there and said it would be good to have it used once more. 

“I remember it being very hot in there in summer and really cold in the winter,” he said. 

“Over the years it’s been home to many different departments and agencies. I know a lot of people from Leeton would have worked there or had some sort of knowledge of the building.”

For more information about the auction visit www.auctionworksonline.net.au.