The “eyesore” building on the corner of Farmborough Road and Princes Highway, which has been closed as an active police station for more than 20 years, was subject to a title claim.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully worked with the Land Council and the NSW government to fast track a suitable resolution.

“The building, will after some renovations become the new home of the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council in Wollongong,” Mr Scully said.

“The Land Council had outgrown their current offices. [CEO] Paul Knight was looking for a new opportunity. I was looking for a solution to a 20-year-old eyesore and fortuitously everything has been able to come together.

“It’s a good result all around. Now it is up to Paul to get out the hammer and the nails, and the paint and the plaster, and get on with some renovations.”

Mr Knight said he was looking forward to the big [renovation] job ahead.

“It’s exciting times now that we own the building and can get started on our new administration centre,” he said.

“We definitely thank Paul Scully for his work. He was instrumental in making sure that it progressed to where it did in such a timely manner.

“There’s a lot of work to do. The building hasn’t been used for over 20 years. We are basically going to have to do a complete re-fit and renovation of the property.”

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Mr Knight said the bigger building would allow the Land Council to expand its services and co-locate other services as well.

“It has become a bit of an eyesore for the community,” he said.

“We are looking forward to renovating the building back to its former glory. Actually I think we have an opportunity to make the building even better by opening it up with more windows and glass.

“It will make it a more friendly and inviting place for the whole community.”