Edward River Council said a recent inspection of the town hall bell tower identified that the timber supporting the clock bell was rotten, and would very likely have failed in the near future.
Contractors are now working to ensure the bell frame can be safely replaced with a new structure.
Project contractor Frank Moretto is also working to safely remove and repair a number of stone motifs on the exterior of the Town Hall building, which were found in varying states of decay.
Mr Moretto has also created a mould of the motif, so that any beyond repair can be replaced.
Work on the long awaited $4.2 million Deniliquin Town Hall rejuvenation got underway in October last year, nine years after structural issues forced the upgrades back on the agenda.
Upgrades to the estates building are being done concurrently, and the $6 million combined project will also include the creation of a community park space between the two historic buildings, at the eastern end of Cressy St.
A council spokesperson said the work is expected to be finished by October this year.
In addition to general refurbishments at the town hall, work will include sound proofing, external painting, relocation of the toilets, construction of a new foyer and lobby area that provides external access to the side of the town hall and ensures access for all abilities and renovations to the change rooms and under stage areas.
The estates building will be refurbished to include a new council chambers, reception area and other meeting rooms.
The existing demountable administration building has been removed, and will be replaced with the public courtyard.
‘‘Works over the past two weeks have included excavation and pouring of the blinding concrete for the balance of the foundations for the relocated toilet building, the floor slab for the rear of the Estates
Building being poured, blinding concrete for the new foyer and the new first floor in the estates building is near completed,’’ a council spokesperson said.
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