Planning for the replacement of the Main Pavilion at the Maclean Showground is nearing completion with a clear path now set for the procurement and construction of the replacement building.

The Main Pavilion, which is more than 100 years old, was blown off its foundations during the severe storm in January 2018 resulting in serious structural damage, but plans for its replacement are now starting to tick along, according to Clarence Valley Council acting open spaces and facilities manager, David Sutton.

Mr Sutton said a concept design was completed for the Development Application (DA) and the detailed design would be finalised once soil samples are taken from under the structure when it’s demolished in September.

“The pavilion structure is in poor condition, so we have spoken with demolition companies about the best and safest way for it to be demolished,” he said.

“There’s still some way to go, but the insurance, heritage and design issues have been resolved and we’re now well into the planning phase for replacement.”

Mr Sutton said members of council’s open spaces and facilities team were working with the Maclean Showground Society and other user groups to ensure the showground could still operate during demolition and construction.

Features such as the trusses, weather boards, floor boards and windows from the current pavilion will be re-used in the new building, with the remaining materials being donated to the Lawrence Museum,” he said.

“We’re in discussions with museum representatives, an architect and the demolition contractor to retain as much material as possible for re-use at both locations”.