Why demolition crews have moved in on Bundaberg CBD

The bulldozers and demolition crews have been active in Bundaberg as well known buildings are brought down. What’s replacing them is an exciting step into the city’s future. See the photos and videos

It’s a case of here today, gone tomorrow, as a number of Bundaberg CBD buildings disappear to the bulldozers and demolition crews.

First to go was the Spinnaker building on Quay St.

Bundaberg Regional Council said this week the building had to be demolished as it was to be the site of a proposed redevelopment, it had structural integrity issues and it was more economical to say goodbye.

“An independent structural engineering assessment identified that the integrity of the building at 1A Quay St had been compromised,” a council spokesperson said.

“The most serious of concerns identified in the report included sloping and sagging floors, deterioration of structural timbers and lack of connection to load bearing supports,,” they said.

“Given the high cost of repair, which would have included asbestos removal, council made the decision to remove the building in the interests of public safety.”

While a major riverside development has been earmarked for the area since 2015, including greening and activity areas where the Spinnaker once stood, the spokesperson said there were no immediate plans to start work on that section of the riverside redevelopment just yet.

“While council recognises the strategic importance of the riverside in activating the CBD, our current focus remains on the redevelopment of the Anzac Park precinct,” they said.

Other buildings are also being bulldozed to make way for the city’s arts and culture precinct.

“A building at 4 Maryborough St has been demolished as part of a combined contract for the demolition of 1A Quay St and 78 Woongarra St,” the spokesperson said.

While the small building next to the old Blockbuster (also known as the Wintergreen Theatre) has gone, the iconic structure will remain.

“These sites are strategically positioned within the Civic and Cultural Precinct, which is officially underway with the redevelopment of the Wintergarden Theatre into a community hub,” the spokesperson said.

The heritage Wintergarden Theatre, also known as the old Blockbuster, is one of the first projects to be undertaken for the Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct.

The 1920’s building will be turned into a community hub, with better accessibility while maintaining its heritage infrastructure.

It will be open to community groups from next year.

The Riverside Precinct and the Arts and Cultural Precinct will run alongside each other.

The Arts and Cultural Precinct will feature the community hub, with plans for a new art gallery and entertainment facilities, while the Riverside Precinct is set to include Quay St greening, a refurbished swimming pool and new water play area, plus spaces for fishing and other activities.