Patonga store plans thwarted

White ants, concrete cancer and poor foundations have thwarted plans to retain the structure of Patonga General Store, during redevelopment of the site as a tavern.

The structural issues with the heritage building have halted progress, and caused the demolition of most of the building.

Owner Mr Robert Osborne said he had retained as much of the original building materials as possible, including the original windows and would incorporate them, along with traditionally-styled materials, into the new construction.

The facade of the building, which dated from 1912, suffered from weak spots and poor foundations, he said.

The remaining structure had visible signs of concrete cancer and the walls had no footings or reinforcement.

The original floors were built on a sand base, also without reinforcement.

Piers consisted of kerosene tins filled with concrete placed on the sand.

The main wall ws structurally unsound and, according to Mr Osborne, will need to be pulled down and rebuilt.

Mr Osborne said he had been asked to provide a new engineer's report.

"We had no idea of how structurally unsound the building was until we started to renovate," Mr Osborne said.

"The timbers were all badly affected by white ants. The hardwood beams had a large nest in them.

"Our intention was and still is to rebuild the entire heritage portion and restore it back to its original glory."

Mr Osborne said the awning will look the same as the awning on the new building, both of which fit the original heritage style.

"The awning will feature a shiplap timber ceiling; the original fireplace which was not part of the heritage section also needs to be dismantled but will be rebuilt using original materials."

Mr Osborne said all of the large Norfolk pines would also be retained, providing ideal shade for the proposed tavern outdoor area.

Stuart Baumann, April 1