Pictured: The iconic Carters Milk Bar in High St, Yea
Carters: bulldozing plans
Friday, March 8, 2019
EXCLUSIVE: The iconic Carters Milk Bar in Yea is likely to be bulldozed at the earliest opportunity by the property purchaser, the Yea and District Historical Society.
Society President John Bett confirmed with The Local Paper today (Fri.) that a building inspection report has confirmed that the timber property is infested with termites, and that the power box has asbestos.
The termite problem would mean that it would be unsafe to have members of the public on the property.
The Society had earlier planned to convert the former Palais Cafe and Milk Bar buidling into the Yea Community Museum. However, the negative building inspection report saw the Society meet this week, and decide to completely bulldoze the property.
Plans to keep the timber facade of the shop have now been scuttled.
A purpose-designed building is now planned for the site, alongside the Yea Shire Hall.
The Society is currently trying to raise $300,000 to purchase the property from the estate of the late Pat Carter. Settlement is due by mid-April. Much of the early fundraising was tied to the image of retaining the milk bar building. The first building on the site was a bank in the 1860s.
The Society has begun a campaign to attract major donors. Corporations and philanthropists are to be targeted to give to the appeal.
It is not known what the attitude of Murrindindi Shire Council is towards demolition of the property. Comment has been sought by The Local Paper from Shire Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay, CEO Craig Lloyd and Cheviot Ward Councillor Bec Bowles.
12.30PM UPDATE. Murrindindi Council says: “The shop at 29 High Street Yea is protected under a Heritage Overlay in Council’s planning scheme and a planning permit is required to demolish the building.
“At this stage we have received no application for a planning permit for demolition works at this site. Until Council receives and examines a permit application we are unable to comment on the possibility of whether demolition of this building would be allowed,” said Darren Jackson, Acting Manager Development Services.