Building 62 Merit Assessment

Aeria Management Group (AMG) is proposing to demolish Building 62 at 13 Airport Avenue, Bankstown Airport, to enable the return of the site to active general aviation use.

AMG has commenced a Merit Assessment to invite feedback to the proposal, due to the historical use of the building as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) headquarters during World War II.

AMG recognises and respects the historical importance of aviation operations at Bankstown Airport and the valuable role it played during WWII.

Unfortunately, reports have found that Building 62, which has been unoccupied since 2005, is derelict and unsuitable for refurbishment, rectification or relocation, due, in part, to the presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos.

Building site

Building 62 is in the north of the airport precinct, on a site that is approximately 6300 square metres in area. Building 62 is in the southwest of the site and has a total floor area of about 320 square metres.

The building was constructed in stages during World War II. The building has been unoccupied since 2005.

In 2023, for the safety of airport employees, customers and visitors, a barrier hoarding was erected to restrict access to the building and site.

Property Condition Report

 

In November 2024, a Property Condition Report for Building 62, found:

  • The building is derelict and not suitable for refurbishment or relocation
  • Multiple serious structural issues, including a high degree of timber rot in the framework and degradation of the brick piers, roofing, windows, trim and timber facades
  • High risk of hazardous materials, including several sources of asbestos throughout the building, particularly fibrous cement boards in the walls and ceiling and electrical backing boards
  • Vast majority of building fabric and services are at or beyond the end of their economic life

Statement of Heritage Impact

 

In October 2024, a Statement of Heritage Impact found demolition of the building is the most sympathetic option that is in line with the current and future needs of Bankstown Airport and would have only minor impacts on the airport’s historical significance.

The statement also found that replacement of the Building with new airside and landside facilities would have a positive impact on the historic and continued use and role of the airport – by enhancing airport facilities and functionality and enabling ongoing aviation use of the site.

A separate Development Report found that the site “provides excellent opportunities for new aviation facilities”, due to its two main road frontages and direct airside access to airport aprons.

AMG plans to return the site to active aviation use, including a new hangar and ancillary facilities to support general aviation operations and services.

Consultation

 

AMG has consulted with the RAAF/Department of Defence, which has no objections to the proposed demolition.

AMG has also consulted with the Bankstown Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

As part of the Merit Assessment process, AMG has invited feedback from customers operating in proximity to Building 62. AMG has also invited feedback from the City of Canterbury Bankstown and City of Bankstown RSL sub-Branch.

Memorials

 

AMG is committed to honouring the historical importance of Bankstown Airport and its ongoing role in providing essential services.

Separate to the Merit Assessment, AMG plans to establish a new memorial at the airport to honour both the historical role of the RAAF and ongoing contribution of emergency services personnel at the airport.

An additional memorial or tribute is planned at the site of Building 62, in recognition of its historical significance.

Merit Assessment submissions

 

The Merit Assessment documents are available below. Copies of the documents are also available for viewing at AMG’s office at 16A Airport Avenue, Bankstown Airport by appointment.

The Merit Assessment was on public exhibition and open for feedback and submissions for 10 business days, from 28 November 2024 to 11 December 2024. The submissions period is now closed.

All submissions received during the public exhibition period will be considered by AMG in making a decision on the proposed demolition.

For more information

 

For further information, please email development@aeria.co or call 02 8709 9400.

Aeria Management Group respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country where Aeria and our Airports are located and their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.