POLL: Old Port school faces demolition order

Jan. 10, 2013, midnight

An emergency demolition order has been sought for the heritage-listed former Port Kembla primary school, after the building was badly damaged by fire.

Owner Port Kembla Copper applied for the order this week after consulting a structural engineer.

If the order is granted, the entire first floor will likely be brought down, as well as everything above the windows on the ground floor.

MORE: Arson suspected in Port school blaze

Despite the scope of the demolition plans, a consortium of residents is refusing to let go of plans to convert the 97-year-old site into a community arts precinct.

Port Kembla Copper general manager Ian Wilson said the state of the building, gutted by fire last Thursday night, was "upsetting" but securing the safety of the site was his priority.

"We need to bring it down to a single level," he said.

"I want to get on with the job as soon as possible because, as long as it's standing up there, people may be tempted to go and inspect it for themselves."

Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which is considered suspicious.

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POLL: Old Port school faces demolition order