Wollongong City Council is planning to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a Figtree house - just so it can be knocked down.
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Council plans to contribute more than $200,000 towards the $710,000 purchase price of 35 Uralba Street, with a view to demolishing it.
According to documents going before councillors at Monday night's meeting, council is chipping in $236,430 towards the purchase price and demolition.
The remainder will be borne by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, provided the sale is completed by the end of the financial year.
Council's proposal to buy the property comes as a result of concerns about flood risks - and the possibility of part of the house collapsing into a sinkhole.
A flood study into Allans Creek initially identified the neighbouring house as the one to purchase - however further research found No35 was the low point for floodwaters.
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Additionally, there are concerns about stormwater pipes that run under the house and the possibility of the ground opening up.
"Severe voiding is appearing around the stormwater pipes, increasing the risk to people and property at this location," the council proposal stated.
Demolishing the house would reduce the flood risk for neighbouring houses, and the cost is similar to what would need to be spent repairing the pipes.
"Works to repair the pipes and surrounding ground would need to be carried out to the value or at least $200,000," the council papers stated.
"These works would not provide any flood benefits for the catchment."