Residents in the Bogan Shire are curious to see what the local council is going to do with a large spare block in the centre of Nyngan that formerly housed the Palais Theatre, a loved community facility that council decided to demolish, much to the chagrin of the locals, several years ago.

 The block which council had previously expressed was to be used for Senior Housing, is only zoned for public areas or community facilities but council are aiming for the land to be used for other purposes.

To do so, council must apply for a rezoning and part of the process is a Public Hearing to allow residents the opportunity to express what they would like to happen to the block.

Locals took to social media last week expressing dissatisfaction at councils plans and short notice for the date of the meeting.

However Derek Francis, General Manager of Bogan Shire Council, says no decision has been made on the future of the land at this stage.

“Bogan Shire Council had previously identified the site of the former Palais Theatre for alternative uses, including senior’s accommodation,” said Mr. Francis.

“Currently, under the provisions of the Local Government Act, the things that the land can be used for are very restricted and include parks, sportsgrounds and providing public facilities.

“Currently the land cannot be used for anything else and may not be sold or leased for other purposes."

The now-vacant site of the old Palais Theatre. [IMAGE: Angie White]

“To free this land up for other purposes – whether that is senior’s living, office or commercial development or any other non-general community use, Council is required to reclassify the land from Community to Operational under the Local Government Act," Mr Francis said.

“Part of that process involves a period of community consultation which took place during May.

“This culminates in an independently chaired Public Hearing which gives people an opportunity to provide input prior to the NSW Department of Planning considering the reclassification application.

“The final decision will be taken at a Council meeting following the reclassification and will take into account community feedback about the site."

Following a well-attended meeting, locals expressed views on what would be most beneficial for the use of the land which is prominently situated in the middle of the town, with such ideas as a cultural centre, park area for travellers, basketball courts, function rooms, although many agreed a theatre to replace the previous Palais Theatre that sat on the site.

“The Independent Chair explained to everyone that the purpose of the Hearing was to hear and record people’s views on whether the land should be reclassified or not, not to actually decide the eventual use of the land,” said Mr Francis.

“The Chair will prepare a report for Council which will then make a recommendation to the Department of Planning who have the final say on the reclassification.

“Following the reclassification decision Council will determine the use of the land,” said Mr Francis.