The Priory and garden

Following our previous web posts in April and June of this year, highlighting the plight of this neglected heritage treasure,  Council’s promised Report on The Priory was presented at its meeting on Monday 27th July.
 
The full details can be viewed here:
 
https://huntershill.resolve.red/portal/meeting/570/1827?type=1&docId=259 together with the Trust’s letter of 29th May seeking clarification of Council’s intentions. 
 
The following three options were detailed in the Report:
 
Option 1:  New Expression of Interest (EOI) for Adaptive Reuse; Council may initiate a new EOI process to attract proposals for adaptive reuse…
 
Option 2:  Council-led Remediation and Activation; Council could undertake remediation and basic restoration works…
 
Option 3:  Return to the State Government; if Council determines that it is not feasible to retain or activate the site…
 
The Trust spoke at Council’s meeting in support of Option 2 stressing the importance of retaining this State Heritage Listed site as a treasured community asset and ensuring that the building is progressively restored and opened for community uses as funds become available.
 
Amendments to the Motion were made by Cllr Williams in line with this Option, requesting that Council be provided with detailed specifications and cost estimates for the proposed building works; that a business plan and funding options are prepared within 3 months to activate the site for community and other adaptive uses; and that the General Manager consults the community on their expectations and vision.  Additional amendments were made by Cllr Kassab including supporting a letter-writing campaign by residents to State Government officials asking for funding for restoration works.
 
The Amended Motion as below was passed unanimously:

That Council receive and note the report.
 
That the General Manager investigate termination of the agreement with Priory Settlement Pty Ltd.
 
That Council agree to retain the role of Crown Land Manager for The Priory.
 
That Council prepare a business plan and funding options for Council’s consideration and report to council within 3 months to activate the site for community or other adaptive uses.
 
That the General Manager consult with the community and report to Council their expectations and vision.
 
That Council be provided with detailed specifications and cost estimates for the proposed building works.
 
That a new Expression of Interest (EOI) for adaptive reuse of The Priory be investigated.
 
That Council take steps to initiate and support a community letter writing campaign calling for the State Labour Government to support funding The Priory restoration work including by:
 
a. announcing the campaign in Council communication through the socials
b. providing a proposed letter writing template that can be personalised by residents
c. identifying the following ministers as appropriate recipients of the advocacy letters:
 
The Hon Penny Sharpe, MLC, Minister for Heritage
The Hon Steve Kamper, MP, Minister for Lands and Property
The Hon Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government

We’re looking forward to hearing Council’s plans for the community to have their say in the future of this precious heritage building.