Old Buffalo restaurant’s demolition blown out to July due to asbestos discovery

Demolition of the old Buffalo restaurant at Glenelg has been delayed after asbestos was found on the replica ship.

The Buffalo as it stands today. Photo: AAP/Mike Burton

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Asbestos has been discovered in the old Buffalo restaurant at Glenelg, delaying its demolition.

Holdfast Bay Council has given owner Troy DeYoung an eight week extension because of the find and other complications with the project.

It meant the razing of the boat — which began in March and was meant to be completed last month — would not be finished until July.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said quotes had been obtained for the removal of the asbestos and that, weather permitting, demolition should soon begin.

It would be subject to restrictions from SafeWork SA, including the possible closure of Wigley Reserve.

Workers dismantling the masts in March. Picture: Dean Martin

Ms Wilson said money had been allocated to remediate the site of the boat and it would go to public consultation on other uses for the area.

“We think a lot of the people around there will have really good ideas on how to activate that site better,” Ms Wilson said.

“The Patawalonga is beautiful at the moment. It’s clean, has dolphins living in there and it’s a really great opportunity.”

Holdfast Bay approved an application for the Buffalo’s demolition in January because it was in a state of disrepair.

It was originally set for demolition in 2014, before Mr DeYoung bought it from Richard Finlayson for just $1.

He then announced a $1 million upgrade, approved in 2017, which was to involve a redevelopment of the inside and outside of the restaurant, including an outdoor bar and alfresco dining area, as well as a kiosk and deck.

The original HMS Buffalo brought the first settlers to Glenelg in 1836 but was destroyed in a shipwreck four years later.

Mr DeYoung was leasing the land on which the boat stood from the council.

Mr DeYoung has been contacted for comment.

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