Lonsdale Street Demolition Works

Demolition works at 90–92 Lonsdale Street, Hamilton, will begin next week, preparing the site for the future Hamilton Library, Digital Hub and Government offices, a landmark project in Council’s long-term vision for the town centre.

The demolition will be carried out by Warrnambool-based contractor Murrihy Demolitions and is expected to take approximately six weeks, progressing through a series of carefully managed stages to minimise disruption to neighbouring businesses and the community.

What to expect during works:

Demolition will be completed in six stages over six weeks
Some temporary footpath closures will be required in short sections of Lonsdale Street
The laneway to the rear of the former Mitre 10 building will remain open for most of the project, with short closures scheduled during weeks two and three. The laneway will be made available for adjoining properties and businesses for access and service deliveries.
All works adjoining existing businesses will be undertaken by hand where required
Dust suppression, noise minimisation and ongoing waste removal will be in place throughout the project

Key impacts at a glance:

Week 1 commencing 27 January 2026: Service disconnections, fencing and signage installed, asbestos removal, demolition of the former nursery building and removal of Lonsdale Street cladding
Week 2 commencing 2 February 2026: Demolition of the former Mitre 10 building and laneway closure for up to three days
Week 3 commencing 9 February 2026: Demolition of the former Toyworld building; laneway closure for up to five days and a short footpath closure
Weeks 4–6 commencing 16 February 2026: Ongoing demolition, pavement and footing removal, site levelling and hand-demolition works adjacent to neighbouring properties

Please be aware that the footpath along Lonsdale Street will be closed in sections intermittently to facilitate facade demolition, with a pedestrian diversion plan in place. Temporary fencing and safety signage will be installed before commencement to direct pedestrian flow safely around the work zone and prevent unauthorised access.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin welcomed the start of works, describing it as a pivotal moment for the town.

“This demolition is the first major step towards a very exciting future for Hamilton,” Cr Heslin said.

“It clears the way for a new Library, Digital Hub and offices that will serve our community for generations to come. Alongside the revitalisation of the CBD and the new Hamilton Gallery, we are seeing the face of our region change and it’s amazing that we can be here for a piece of local history.”

Council and Murrihy Demolitions will work closely with nearby businesses and tenants to coordinate access and deliveries during demolition periods wherever possible.

Community safety remains the highest priority. The site will be fully fenced and clearly signed, with traffic management in place during any short-term closures.

“We understand demolition works can be disruptive, and we sincerely thank local businesses and the community for their patience,” Cr Heslin said.

“There are a few long standing local businesses that will continue to operate in this area during works, namely Kins Bakery, Chris’s Kebabs and Canadian Rooster. These are terrific spots and we strongly encourage people to continue to go to these shops. This project is a significant investment in the future of our town, and we’re committed to managing the works safely, carefully and with minimal inconvenience.”

For more information about the project and the future of the Hamilton CBD, visit Council’s website or subscribe to Council’s newsletter for regular updates.