The Dubbo Showground grandstand is anything but grand these days with a majority of the 50 people polled by the Daily Liberal choosing the dilapidated structure as the city’s worst eyesore.
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The grandstand has proved to be a source of criticism when it comes to Dubbo’s aesthetic qualities, with calls for its destruction ringing for years.
But dislike for the condemned structure has not changed.
“The showground grandstand, it has been sitting there forever. I think they should dismantle it, it is so weathered,” Val Roberts said.
Dubbo’s Annette Ryan believed the grandstand still had value but it needed to be revamped in a manner which reinstated its previous glory.
“I think they should have got the insurance on it, and repair it so it looks heritage. Dubbo lost too many historical buildings before heritage listing came in,” she said.
Dubbo mayor Allan Smith concurred with majority opinion and said council was in the process of seeking a Federal Government grant which would render a solution.
“People’s views in relation to the showground grandstand have got to be supported, it is an eyesore,” he said.
If council can attract a Government grant the grandstand would be repaired Cr Smith said, but otherwise it would find itself on the chopping block with only what is worth keeping to be salvaged.
The new St Brigid’s Church, and particularly its white steeple known colloquially as the ‘nun launcher’, was also heavily criticised by some of the surveyed.
“St Brigid’s, it’s pretty bad, not a church I could sit and look at all day. When you think of a church you think of gothic style with big atriums,” Hamish Dickson said.
“The first thing that comes to mind is the church. It looks like a skate rink it doesn’t look like a church to me,” Donna Burke said.
Councillor Smith said it was a case of the church looking “newish” compared to its forerunner the old St Brigid’s and nearby by presbytery.
“The new St Brigid’s reflects modern society.
“Many modern churches have been constructed in a similar fashion; some like it, others don’t.”
Even before its completion the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre has come under fire with several locals saying so far it looks unimpressive.
Cr Smith took a historical perspective saying he remembered the fierce debates during the design and construction of the Sydney Opera House which is now lauded for its style.
“I think you have to wait and see the marrying of the new and the old,” he said.
“But I have seen the drawings and designs of it all and it is very impressive ... people should reserve their judgement until it is completed.”
Receiving notable mention on the list of Dubbo worst eyesores was the old air force base, which had been earmarked for development, and the “too pink”clock tower.
