The Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission (WCIC) building in Chelmsford Place is now in council's hand after it purchased it for $1 from the state government. 

While it was a cheap sale, the upkeep of the building had been a worry for council, but it has decided to move ahead with taking it under its wing. 

A restriction will be registered on the title stating council must use the land for community purposes with the “primary purpose” of a cultural space for a period of 15 years from the date of registration where after it will become obsolete.

The property will be classified as operational land.

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In a report to council, director corporate and community Craig Bennett said after receiving advice from Property NSW in November last year council staff conducted their own due diligence on the property.

This was to see if it was able to advise council on any proposed capital works and cyclical maintenance costs which would be required to be completed in order to undertake the adaptive re-use of the building.

“The review provided a comprehensive assessment of both the internal and external condition of the building," Mr Bennett said.

"Council officers verified the current condition of the building and acknowledged that the building is in a fair condition.”

Mayor Paul Maytom said while the building had come cheap there were strings attached on how it can be used and it will be an additional financial burden to council's already tight budgets. 

“Council considers the opportunity to acquire this historic building fair outweighs the risks," councillor Maytom said.

"Grant funding may be available for aspects of any refurbishment works, but by and large the ratepayers will have to pick up the ongoing operational costs.

"It’s exciting but we also acknowledge that the budget will have to absorb these extra costs.”

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