Next time you drive past the infamous Panjo building may be the last time you view this controversial building.
Campbelltown Council has received an application from the people who bought it last year.
The Development Application (DA) for demolition landed on council’s inbox on September 19, and no decision has been made either way.
But it’s doubtful Campbelltown Council would have any objection to the demolition of a building that has sat idle for more than 15 years.
The DA lodged was for “modification of an existing development consent for the demolition of existing building and the construction of a five storey bulky goods retail complex including basement car parking’’.
Located on the corner of Campbelltown Road and Rose Payten Drive, the Panjo was going to be Campbelltown’s most iconic building, but ended up being it’s most visible – and risible – eyesore.
The developer behind the vision for the Panjo ran out of money during the global financial crisis (GFC) and never turned his dream into reality
The South West Voice understands the new owners, who remain anonymous at this stage, want to demolish and rebuild but will offer basically the same vision as the original at a cost estimated between $20 million and $30 million.
What was that vision: a building that was a haven for children, with spaces for a performing arts academy, gymnasium and a women’s health retreat, mini putt putt golf, swimming pool and splash area, themed party hub, restaurants and cafes and much more.
Panjo was eventually sold to a Parramatta based residential developer and allowed to become an eyesore at the entrance to Campbelltown.
Council considered, for a time, serving a demolition order, but never went through with it.
In 2014 council received a DA for the refurbishment of the existing building to create a 172 place child care centre, a recreational facility and 139 serviced apartments.
Approval was given but the work never started.
Now it seems that demolition will be the ultimate fate of the Panjo and a building that will look very different rise in its place.
