Beautiful Estates building set to re-open as home to Edward River Council’s Customer Service Centre

After 18 months of extensive renovations and repairs, the ‘Estates’ building is set to re-open.

Formerly the home of stock and station agents Australian Estates, the building has been home to several businesses over the decades.

From the end of this month, the building will be home to Council’s Customer Service Centre and corporate offices.

The Customer Service Centre has been located at the Edward River Library during the renovation works.

The renovations were undertaken as part of Council’s Civic Precinct project which includes the Town Hall and Civic Place.

The renovations have included a new staircase, new carpets, flooring, tiling, walls and electrical work.

Much of the heritage of the building has been protected including retaining exposed brick walls and original fireplaces.

An elevator has been installed and a disabled access ramp at the entrance.

The building will also be the new home of the council chamber where council meetings will be held from next month.

State of the art communications equipment has been procured to ensure council meetings can be livestreamed with high quality picture and sound.

The Town Hall restoration works are continuing, and as flagged with a building of its age, unexpected but essential work is being uncovered as the project continues.

Contractors and heritage building experts Moretto’s advised council staff that new flooring will be required in the Town Hall after discovering stumping deficiencies.

The flooring was not originally part of the planned works and its replacement is necessary for the Town Hall to reopen.

The unexpected work will require additional funding and will regrettably delay the opening of the Town Hall.

None-the-less, Council has been assured by the contractors the work, once finished will cement Edward River’s Town Hall as the region’s best entertainment centre.

“We are so excited to be nearing the end of this huge Council project,” Mayor Cr. Peta Betts said.

“With significant support of state and federal government funding, the Deniliquin Town Hall will be the largest professional performing arts centre in the South West region.”

The Town Hall will have the capacity and ability to host live performances, events and functions, screen movies and more.

“We really will have the jewel in the crown for arts right here in Edward River.”

Council will begin advertising the Customer Service Centre opening date from next week.