A little bit of Griffith’s early history was lost recently when an historic home on Binya street was demolished.
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The home was built by Fred Eardley in the 1930s.
Fred Eardley's menswear shop was a Griffith landmark until late last century.
The home was one of the ‘Binya Street group’ built in the ‘20s and ‘30s when Griffith was in its infancy.
The current owners of the property, John and Iole Scremin, have plans to build a unit for them to retire to.
“We have always lived in the area and we just thought as we are getting older we need somewhere a bit closer to town,” Mrs Scremin said.
“John’s mother had a house across the road from the property and we have always liked that area of Griffith,” she said, adding that it was close to the shops, hospital and the Catholic Church.
“We haven’t drawn up any plans yet but it won’t be anything too modern,” Ms Scremin said.
Griffith Councillor Bill Lancaster, whose home is next door to the property, was there to see the old house come down.
“I took my grandkids over to watch it being demolished and it was quite a sight,” Councillor Lancaster said.
“They certainly did a very good job,” Cr Lancaster said.
“The moment was tinged with a bit of sadness,” he said.
“We have lived here for 40 years and when we moved in John’s son, Aubrey Eardley, was still living there.
“It was disappointing to see it go but I also understand that the new building will be very high-quality,” Cr Lancaster said.
“A few people have asked me about whether or not the house was heritage-listed but that is not the case.
“Council commissioned a heritage report about 10 years ago and it was recommended that the houses making up the Binya Street group be heritage-listed.
“They were good examples of the period and the homes had largely been untouched.
“Council resolved that there be no forced listings and out of those places, no one has applied for the heritage listing,” he said.
For more information on the heritage report, contact Griffith City Council.
You can also find information on planning matters on the council’s website including development control plans for residential development. For details visit the website at http://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/