BATHURST Regional Council should not miss out on what is being described as once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a slice of the city’s history.
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Local ideas man Tony Thorpe has any number of uses he thinks would suit the historic TAFE building.
Always one to push for a better deal for the region’s young people, Mr Thorpe said yesterday the building has 30 rooms of different sizes.
“The two main front rooms fronting William Street are spacious and could be ideal as youth space,” he said. “That also fits in with council’s 2036 long-term plan to do more for young people.
“Then there’s the car park area that I believe would make a great arts come market area in line with the whole historical Town Square theme.
“Other rooms offer commercial opportunities such as cafes and coffee shops and a restaurant or food venture.”
Mr Thorpe said the restoration and conversion of the old Crago Mill in lower Piper Street shows what can be done to breathe new life into these types of ageing structures.
“The TAFE predict is full of history and too good an opportunity to miss,” he said. “I only hope the councillors think the same and don’t reject the proposal because of the cost.
“If that is the only problem, then why not mothball the place until the funds can be saved over a number of years.
