The campaign to have the former Armidale Courthouse placed on the State Heritage Register continues to crawl forward.
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On Monday Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the Heritage Council of NSW has given notice of intention to consider listing the 160-year-old building.
Mr Marshall said the Heritage Council had moved to the next phase in what was proving to be a very thorough and rigorous, albeit cumbersome, assessment process.
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"There is really no doubting the heritage significance of the former Armidale Courthouse and Sheriff's Cottage, as they are among the oldest surviving public buildings in the New England region," Mr Marshall said.
"It is the community's wish to see these iconic buildings preserved and protected by the State Heritage Register and today's announcement shows we are edging ever closer to the gavel coming down on that ruling."
In December 2018 the building had been listed for auction.
When Armidale Regional Council learnt of the pending auction, it requested the building be heritage listed.
READ MORE: Why the courthouse was taken off the market
"As part of the Heritage Council's latest resolution it is calling for the public to make further written submissions on the proposal.
"I recognise advocates for the old Armidale Courthouse have previously been asked to show their support this way, however I again urge them to put pen to paper to express their views so we can get this spectacular building the recognition and protection it deserves."
Mr Marshall said he was continuing to work with Attorney General Mark Speakman to ensure the old Armidale Courthouse remained in public hands for use by the community.
"For several years it has been my goal to have the building transferred to Armidale Regional Council to be used as a precinct for the community," Mr Marshall said.
"I believe reopening the courthouse will play a pivotal role in reinvigorating the Beardy Street Mall.
"If it was to be used as a gallery or museum people would be drawn to the space, increasing the level of foot traffic in the struggling CBD.
"Having discussed this matter in detail with the Attorney General, I know he is very close to striking an agreement with council on the hand-over of the spectacular building and I think this latest development will only hasten that process."
- Submissions should be posted or emailed to the Heritage Council of NSW at the following address until August 9: Heritage Council of NSW, Locked Bag 5020, Parramatta NSW 2124, or email heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au
