Plans for the development were approved by Goulburn Mulwaree Council five years ago and would have expired next month unless work commenced.

Goulburn businessman John Ferrara confirmed on Monday trees have been cleared on the site of the 1912 building in Mundy Street, Goulburn in preparation for construction of a retaining wall.

He said the wall would be about two metres high.

Mr Ferrara said ongoing vandalism was a concern, with many windows in the complex smashed.

“I am going to build the wall first to keep out the vandals, then I will start fixing it up when I start building the townhouses, otherwise the vandals will break it again,” Mr Ferrara said.

For the full story, please see Wednesday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area.