But he will be hoping his proposed changes to curb bureaucratic red tape don’t follow the same drawn-out trajectory as that suffered by architecture firm Williams Burton Leopardi when it sought to remodel the Darling Building, which had lain vacant for 20 years.

Director David Burton told InDaily last year: “We’ve basically run the full gamut of emotions with it: getting all excited, getting crushed, getting up off the floor and trying to do it all again!”

“A whole bunch of issues came up which, even being in the field, have surprised us – there’s a massive, massive amount of regulation stuff that has to be paid for if you want to make any structural change to your building at all,” he said.

“Three million dollars later, you’re sitting there thinking: ‘I haven’t actually done anything yet!’”

In trying to have the building reclassified, the firm had to ensure a raft of building code requirements were met, including strengthening for earthquake, fire isolation of existing stairs, increasing the fire rating of floors and columns and installing hose reels.

The restrictive cost prompted an alternative proposal whereby the building was renovated while retaining its existing classification. This meant no strengthening for earthquake was necessary, smoke barriers would be sufficient in lieu of fire walls and no upgrading of the existing hydrant needed to be undertaken as long as fire services could access them.

It’s the sort of outcome Rau is hoping to achieve en masse with a new draft code being released for consultation today.

“Upgrading and reactivating existing buildings can be cost-prohibitive if buildings are expected to comply with the requirements for new construction, as these can require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of any proposed alterations,” the draft states.

“However, when existing buildings are found to be unsafe, structurally unsound or in an unhealthy condition, or when they are undergoing a change of building classification, councils and private certifiers can require them to be upgraded to a reasonable condition.

“Without guidance on the extent of upgrading required when a building is undergoing alterations, some buildings may be required to be upgraded to an extent beyond that which is considered reasonable or economically viable, and this can discourage building owners from voluntarily upgrading and reusing their buildings.”

The code is designed to “clarify” the extent of upgrading required, in a bid to streamline developments such as Darling House – a conundrum with which Rau has grappled for years, with particular focus on the largely disused heritage hub along the southern side of North Tce.

But the Planning Minister insists that “any solution must still not compromise safety”.

“This is a common sense approach,” he told InDaily in a statement.

“Having buildings remain unused for years because of red tape is of no benefit to the community or property owners… we want to improve the system so there is greater clarity on the goals to be achieved and less emphasis on prescriptive rules.”

The Darling Building on Franklin St. Photo: Ben McGee / CityMag

He said the draft code, which will be open to comment for eight weeks from today, was developed by experts in fire safety, structural integrity and building surveying, heritage, design and construction.

It allows for concessions to be applied in certain circumstances, such as accepting the use of an open staircase as a fire escape route rather than requiring building a new separate one.

The code addresses applications for alterations to existing buildings, for a change of use or reclassification or where a council authority, including a Building Fire Safety Committee, considers a building to be unsafe.

“Buildings can be upgraded, bringing multiple economic and social benefits, without putting the public at risk,” Rau said.

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