Development plan offers new life to historic Lismore eyesore

A PIECE of Lismore real estate that has stood vacant for 50 years is being considered for a new three storey commercial office block.

A PIECE of Lismore real estate that has stood vacant for 50 years is being considered for a new three storey commercial office block.

The site in Molesworth St was once the home of the old Federal Theatre, which became The Federalette and then in 1953 was again re-named The Vanity before it burned down in 1964.

It has been a vacant eyesore in the southern end of the CBD ever since, but now Bennett Constructions now has an option over the land and begun discussions with Lismore City Council about what is possible on the site.

Bennett's director Darryl Piper said no DA has been lodged, but discussions with the council have been "really good".

Lismore Council's strategic property project manager, Lindsay Walker, said the proposal is for a three storey office building that would include ground level parking, including a significant amount of free public parking spaces.

He also said because of the amount of parking spaces required for an office building of that size, there have also been discussions about Bennetts contributing to additional parking spaces at the southern end of the CBD.

"It's early days but we are hoping for the best possible outcome for the community," Mr Walker said.

HISTORICAL PROPERTY: A ball at the Vanity Theatre in Molesworth St, Lismore, circa 1950s and the site as it is today. Picture: Richmond River Historical Society