Demolition works will begin later this week at Exhibition Hall in Warragul.
As the works take place over the coming weeks, Council is anticipating an increase in heavy vehicle traffic in the area.
Traffic on Exhibition Lane will change to one-way, with temporary fencing and mesh set to be installed over the building to restrict access and limit the spread of any debris.
Council staff have liaised with neighbouring businesses ahead of the demolition work which will begin on Friday with asbestos removal.
Exhibition Hall was initially closed to the public in December 2024 due to extensive damage and the potential risk to occupants.
At a Council Meeting on 26 March 2025, Councillors voted to permanently close and demolish the building, due to the substantial cost of repairs and infrequent usage.
Council worked closely with the operators of a playgroup, which has been housed at Exhibition Hall since the 1980s, to support their ongoing operation at another location. Baw Baw Play Group, formerly the Warragul Playgroup, can now be found in their new location at 4 Oak Street, Drouin.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Councillor Danny Goss, said Council had been arranging the salvage of various materials from the building prior to its demolition.
"Steel from the site is being recycled while bricks and concrete will also be used for road base," Cr Goss said.
"A salvage company will come in to collect things such as timber, door handles, windows, and doors in good condition.
"We are making a very conscious effort to ensure limited amounts of waste will go to landfill.
"A shed is also being salvaged to use as storage in Logan Park.
"Smaller assets and equipment, like fridges and furniture have already been relocated for use at other sites including the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Burke Street Pavilion.
We have also ensured all in date and relevant firefighting equipment has been placed in other Council sites where upgrades were required."
James G Morrison builders have engaged Gravity Demolition who will commence the demolition once they receive their demolition permit.
The site will be remediated following the demolition, with crushed rock set to be sheeted at the location.
Any decisions about the future of the site will be considered by Council in the future.
Image: Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Danny Goss stands at the entrance to the Exhibition Hall building.
