For a long time it has troubled me about how much, and how readily, we are prepared to demolish our architectural and infrastructure heritage here in NSW, supposedly in the name of progress, and need.
As a retired person of the greater building and construction industry, I asked myself what I thought of the worth of the existing Gosford Library building, in light of the understood intention by Council to demolish it in the near future.
I took the opportunity to conduct an unsolicited visual audit of the property.
In the process of preparing to do so I asked myself three questions.
Do I think the building has architectural merit?
Do I understand the building is a failed, or failing structure?
Do I think maybe there is community opportunity for the building?
In summary, the answers to those three questions is, YES, NO, YES, in that order.
In overall terms, it would appear to be in good order and condition, for age.
I would support my contentions, briefly, as follows.
As a whole, the building is a great example of the architectural style of the time, precast, off form concrete, minimalist, low maintenance.
The roof, terracotta tiled, appears sound and colour fast.
The wall and floor structures of precast and in situ concrete appear sound, and maybe even clean considering the general texture.
The precast external stair and landing balustrades are expressing concrete cancer, but they are easily removed and readily replaceable in whatever style and material.
The aluminium framed windows, far from state of the art for security and environmental efficiency, are sound, appear weathertight and functional.
The external public toilets, male and female, appear to largely be original, and while not modern, seem functional and easily renovated.
Public toilets at this location would seem to be a good idea.
The external access, planting and paving appears workable but could be revisited to better express the form and function of today.
The original internal design form and function details were very purposeful for the times, still intact, and reflecting applied upgrades over time to better address the library needs.
Demolition of the existing simple, non structural items may reveal very functional broad spaces.
With the current residential growth of Gosford, this building would seem to possess opportunities for a list of community needs and purposes, and may be income generating into the bargain.
My thoughts, why can’t we have a museum?
Email, Jun 4
Darron Shaw, Ettalong Beach
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