WHAT does the future hold for Lithgow’s ‘large size’ vacant commercial buildings?

While the stock of smaller shops dwindles, with demand often dictated by the landlord’s willingness to maintain standards, it’s the bigger premises that draw increasing curiosity.

And while there is evidence of overall demand for commercial space there are conflicting issues of appropriate size and location.

A classic case was with electrical supplier TLE seeking to expand and were quick to secure the western Main Street premises of the former Bridgestone tyre service when it became vacant.

The site was ideal for TLE’s expansion needs and the relocation was carried out at the weekend.

This has left the current Mort Street location on the market.

But what of the BIG ones?

■ THE ‘TECH COLLEGE’: BIGGEST of these is the old TAFE college in Mort Street.

It was acquired by investors at a mortgagee sale about two years ago and despite preliminary discussions with council regarding a commercial and residential redevelopment there has been little evident progress.

The building continues to deteriorate and currently rates as the Lithgow CBD’s most embarrassing eyesore.

There were recent inquiries relating to the potential use of the building for Police Rescue Squad training.

■ SAM’S WAREHOUSE:

ALSO big and now long term vacant is the building at Pottery Plaza previously occupied by Sam’s Warehouse.

This was a busy discount store, reputed to be one of the more profitable in the chain, but fell victim to a nation wide shut down when the parent company went into receivership.

That was more than two years ago and apart from the usual local rumours no indication of a new occupant, presenting an irresistible target for graffiti vandals.

The very large store suffers to an extent from location with a frontage onto an old industrial site earmarked for future development.

Some smaller shops in the block also remain vacant.

■ THE ROYAL:

ANOTHER big building that requires a specialist role is the Theatre Royal.

The art deco theatre opposite Queen Elizabeth Park has its projection equipment and dress circle seating intact but has not been used as a cinema for years.

It was last in business as a restaurant and evening entertainment venue.

The Royal is a local landmark and underwent a costly and quality renovation to upgrade to modern requirements.

It was subsequently offered to Lithgow Council reportedly for little more than the cost of the upgrade but council decided to concentrate on its own much older Union Theatre.

The Royal remains on the market although two other buildings that were part of the property portfolio, the Lynton Court flats and the Theatre Royal milk bar, have been sold off separately.

■ PAST HISTORY:

JUST up the road, not quite so big there are two moderately large premises on the market almost directly opposite each other.

One, on the southern side of Main Street, is an attractive building that was upgraded for a government sponsored employment agency that was relocated some years ago.

Surprisingly the premises has been vacant ever since although its next door neighbour was taken over for the Wollemi Cafe and Bakery soon after the Department of Community Services moved up the street to the former Commonwealth Bank.

Just across Main Street the building that for some years was occupied by Mad Barry’s second hand business recently became vacant and its medium size should provide potential.

In a past life it was a showroom for Austen and Butta Motors and later for Frandsens’ paint and wallpaper business.

There has lately been some evidence of activity there.