At the same time, though, the building has enormous potential and many beautiful features like high ceilings, cedar mouldings and doors and beautiful etched glass throughout.

And all this stands on prime real estate in the heart of the Bathurst CBD on William Street.

One of the first big decisions facing Bathurst Regional Council this year will be whether it accepts a State Government offer to take over ownership of the old TAFE building.

To help make up their minds, a number of councillors joined mayor Monica Morse, general manager David Sherley and environmental, planning and building services director David Shaw on a tour of the site late last month.

Community and cultural services director Annabell Miller led the tour, and the Western Advocate also went along for a look.

What we all found was that with its very high ceilings, dozens of passageways, seemingly endless rooms and an unexpected number of levels, the size of the main building is deceptive.

However, this building, which is what people think of when they think of the old TAFE College, is only one of four or five buildings, including the old headmaster’s house and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, that make up the complex. 

Some of the buildings are linked by passageways that feature a deep layer of pigeon droppings which crunch underfoot. 

Many parts of the TAFE complex have great heritage significance which means they cannot be altered inside or out. Other “newer” sections can be changed on the inside, but the exterior cannot.

All these factors will play on councillors’ minds when they make their final decision.

Taking over the old TAFE building could be a multi-million dollar albatross for ratepayers, but passing it up might be a golden opportunity lost.