Following council's decision in August 2019 to re-scope the City's approach to the future of the Osborne Park Precinct, a plan that narrows the focus down to Osborne House and its immediate surrounds will now be developed.
The Osborne House Sustainable Development Plan will cover the future use and development of Osborne House, the stables, council depot and adjacent landscape, after feedback from stakeholders. The plan aims to ensure it remains a sustainable and accessible heritage asset for the community.
Council has also given the green light for a prioritised list of maintenance and improvement works to begin, at a cost of between $900,000 to $1.1 million from the 2019-2020 Budget.
Stakeholders have been heavily consulted about the asset, most notably with the Osborne Park Association, and further engagement will be carried out with the wider community. A Project Reference Group will be set up to ensure community representatives have the opportunity to provide their insights and ideas to the plan.
The draft Sustainable Development Plan will be presented to council in July this year. The plan is estimated to cost $130,000 to prepare, which is also covered by the 2019-2020 Budget.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
I'm glad the ball will start rolling on maintenance and improvement works at Osborne House. The most urgent and important heritage work will be prioritised, which is consistent with the findings of the Lovell Chen Conservation Management Plan 2009
I understand it's a frustrating wait but the community can rest assured that the City is committed to getting this right.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj
There's still a lot of work to be done but I believe a sustainable development plan, that focuses on Osborne House and its immediate surrounds, puts us on the right track.
I'm interested to hear from the community about how this historic asset should be developed and used, and encourage interested members to give their input when engagement opens.
Councillor Anthony Aitken
There's been a lot of community consultation about how best to move forward and I believe council's decision is a step in the right direction.
Osborne House is beloved by the community, which I'm sure will be pleased to hear maintenance and improvement works will be prioritised.
