An independent panel will decide if a historic home in Sydney’s north can be turned into a new school, after residents and the local council raised concerns it would compromise the site’s heritage values.
It underscores debate about balancing the use of Sydney's historic buildings while protecting heritage precincts.The NSW Department of Planning supports the plan, despite objections from locals and some reservations from the council that it could have an "unreasonable and adverse impact on several significant heritage elements".
Under the proposal, the home’s largely intact interiors would be modified to incorporate three pre-school rooms and five general learning areas. The plans also include a 12-space car park and a kiss-and-drop bay on the grounds. The society said in a submission to the department that some of the mature trees in the property's heritage gardens were more than 100 years old. They include a large Bunya pine that was planted around 1900.
Best Practice Education Group bought the site in 2019 with a view to turn it into a school. It said “taking on the responsibility of a heritage-listed site like Mount Errington is a labour of love”.
MeganGorrey Upcycling.
MeganGorrey 🤬Why was it ever even sold to a private interest?!? It should be kept & maintained by the state government!🤬