The demolition process scheduled to start in coming weeks will make way for a four-storey complex.

Taking into account findings from engineering reports and the safety of people, council said it has been given no choice but to pull it down.

“Structurally the Universal Store is unsafe. It would need some kind of super-structure to hold it up, which would look a bit odd,” director of planning and environment Glenn Handford said.

Part of the agreement requires the developers to salvage 70 per cent of the building, mainly bricks and use them in the new building, creating a replica of what once stood there.

It is also possible that the original lettering from the Universal Store will be used.

The four stories for the development were approved three years ago, despite council imposing a three storey restriction on local building structures.

“In this case, council has made a concession for retaining part of the old Universal Store and this meets heritage standards,” Mr Hanford said.

Dawn Engel from the Historical Society has said the developers must fulfil their obligations, as stated in the development application.

“All that has been witnessed to date is the deplorable abandonment of the Universal Store and the negative impact on the local community,” she said.

Councillor Len Roberts said the compromise was council’s only choice or face a protracted and lengthy court battle, which would only leave the building unattended to for a longer period of time.

“At the end of the day it was the best decision council could come to. It was the best decision for the community, but what we are getting is not heritage,” Cr Roberts said.

A general fear within the community is that concessions will be made for more four-storey developments.

“I don’t think this will open the floodgates,” Cr Roberts said

“There will always be the community watching and each project is considered on its merits. Council will remain vigilant and mindful.”

“I am confident council has learnt from this and we are all taking heritage seriously.”

Mrs Engel pointed out that some positive aspects have resulted from the process.

“It has raised awareness of historical sites in the area,” she said.

“It gives us the opportunity to preserve what we still have.”