3 August 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council has resolved to demolish the derelict former Oriole Park Baseball Club structure in Auburn. The decision puts exciting new possibilities into play, including an open space corridor along Duck River and the establishment of an expansive new outdoor recreational area.
The building was last leased in 2014 and fell into a state of disrepair after it was vacated. The structure is fenced, alarmed and routinely patrolled but remains a target for vandals and squatters, posing an ongoing risk to community safety.
Cumberland Council Interim General Manager Malcolm Ryan said the demolition of the building would lead to a new era of recreation and activation at the Oriole Park site.
“The building has become a liability to Council and an eyesore for local residents,” Mr Ryan said.
“Restoring the building to an acceptable standard to enable commercial lease arrangements would cost approximately $6.5m.
“The money would need to be spent on repairing the roof and guttering, replacing windows, doors and cladding, tackling widespread water damage and installing new air conditioning and fire suppression systems, among other defects.
“This is a significant sum of rate payer’s money to spend on restoring the building. Given that the expected rental return wouldn’t come close to recouping these costs, we have decided not to proceed with these works.
“Instead Council has decided to remove the building at a fraction of the cost, enabling us to do something fresh and exciting at Oriole Park.
“The Oriole Park site is an important piece of the puzzle for creating a network of pathways and cycle ways along Duck River, which will connect into the extensive cycle network along Parramatta River, as envisioned in the Duck River Master Plan.
“With the building removed it will free up a sizable amount of land for recreation and public use. Council will look at combining parkland west of the structure with potentially leasable land in the east to create a ‘super-sized’ outdoor recreational space for local residents.
“While residents may have fond memories of the now dilapidated structure at Oriole Park, demolishing it and doing something original will allow residents to create a whole new set of memories along Duck River and at Oriole Park.”
