KENMORE site owner Lila Chan says that she still needs “further information” on plans for a traditional Chinese medicine facility and a study campus for international students.
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Ms Chan’s company, LAJC Energy Pty Ltd, acquired the 78 hectare former psychiatric facility in August of 2010 and enlisted one of the state’s best known conservation architects in Alf Lester of LFA Pacific Pty Ltd.
Mr Lester told the Post in August that he had gained Council approval for a master plan and a 20-lot residential subdivision fronting Taralga Rd.
Extensive repairs and a wholesale clean-up of the neglected site were also undertaken.
The former pharmacy building and staff development centre have also been approved by council for student accommodation.
Catholic foster care agency Marymead is currently leasing ‘Pine Lodge’, and a local businessman and a fire services consultant are also occupying space on site.
The Post heard reports from these organisations on September 5 saying that Ms Chan closed the entry gates to the site, and proceeded to remove plants and garden beds.
The staff also said they had to drive around the back of the property and into an entrance on Wollondilly Avenue to be able to gain access.
However, Ms Chan says that the front gates were closed purely for security purposes.
“We have closed the front gates and access points to improve security,” Ms Chan said.
“We also have spent a lot of time and money on improving the gardens, and we needed to do this.”
Ms Chan also caught up with Mayor Geoff Kettle at a meeting on August 28, where she explained the security measures that were being put in place, and that further information was still needed in regards to the Traditional Chinese medicine and study campus.
Council’s Director of Planning and Community Services, Chris Stewart confirmed Mr Lester’s comments, that approvals had been granted for a Masterplan of the site, for subdivision of land fronting Taralga Road, and for use of some of the buildings.
“Apart from these three things, I am not aware of any other applications before Council,” he said.
“I haven’t spoken with Lila Chan recently.”
The secretary of the Friends of Kenmore Hospital History Inc.
Leone Morgan told the Post that the whole site is heritage listed.
When she was based at the former Kenmore museum, there was a tree that had fallen onto the roof of a building. To get the situation fixed, the NSW Heritage Office had to be consulted, with an inspector who visited the site along with Goulburn Mulwaree Council staff before approval could be granted to remove the tree.
A spokesperson from the NSW Heritage Council confirmed reports that a heritage application for alterations was recently lodged.
“There was a recent heritage approval for alterations including landscape upgrade works,” the spokesperson said.
“Although we are still trying to establish exactly when and where on the site it was lodged for.”