The old garage at the corner of Addison and Mary streets in Shellharbour, which is mooted for demolition. Picture: KEN ROBERTSON
It has been described as everything from an icon and an exceptional and rare building, through to an eyesore that is in structurally poor condition with no heritage value at all.
Either way, the days of the old Shellharbour garage on Addison Street again appear numbered, with plans lodged with Shellharbour City Council to demolish the building and replace it with a mixed use development comprising 13 apartments, five retail/business premises and two commercial premises.
The building, which featured in the 2004 film A Man's Gotta Do, played a starring role in the recent heritage debate that centred on Shellharbour Village when a heritage conservation area was proposed for a large part of the area.
In 2006 owner Joe Scozzafava, who bought the workshop in 1988, lodged plans for a 14-unit apartment building on the site. The plans were rejected because of design and height issues.
Soon after Shellharbour Council began preparing its heritage inventory and when the register was first publicly released in October 2010, the garage was identified as a key heritage item.
Previously the site of a blacksmith's shop and later a coachworks, the block has had a continuous association with transport, the report said.
"The garage, together with its setting, moveable elements and physical and historic context, is exceptional and rare," the inventory stated.
"The garage was highly representative of early 20th century garages and how they operated and as such is rare."
However, the listing was successfully challenged as part of the Shellharbour local environmental plan process, with the council's consultant agreeing that information was provided to refute the assessment that the garage was of significance.
"The submissions have presented evidence that shows the building, which was identified as a rare 1920s garage, is actually a mid to late 20th century garage with some 1920s fabric," the report said.
"This surviving 1920s fabric is hidden behind a later facade and is in very poor condition."
Yesterday Mr Scozzafava said he appreciates heritage, but the building was not something worth saving.
"If this had any heritage I wouldn't mind," he said.
"All these attempts to save heritage came 25 years too late for Shellharbour Village."
A Shellharbour council spokeswoman said in July this year council voted not to proceed with the heritage listings recommended as part of the Draft 2011 LEP and as such, the Addison Street site is not listed as a site of significant heritage.
The development application is on exhibition until Wednesday and can be viewed on the council's website or administration building.