Conservation works at St Clair Villa Museum and Archives will be carried out by local company Longstone Pty Ltd, following a decision on the tender at last night's meeting of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
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A council statement said that $1.1 million will be spent on stage one of the project.
A priority list of works for stage one has been developed which includes new roof, guttering and downpipes for the entire villa, sub floor ventilation, new kitchenette and bathroom in the Couch House and wall, floor, ceiling, window and door repairs as necessary.
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Mayor Bob Kirk said he will be pleased to see the important restoration works begin.
"This historic building is an icon of our region, and it's important we address the issues facing it such as water penetration and mould to bring it up to standard," he said.
"The project also includes some new ramps and elements to address disability access and building code requirements and repairs to the heritage fabric throughout the site."
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP is also glad to see the project now able to get underway.
"I'm delighted that NSW Government is supporting Goulburn Mulwaree Council to conserve and restore this nationally-significant site.
"Better facilities will ensure that more people can experience St Clair, particularly with readily-accessible archives. These upgrades will not only increase capacity for events, but also visitor numbers for locals and tourists alike."
The intention of the works is to get the villa to the stage where it can be re-opened.
St Clair Villa Museum and Archives was built between 1843 and 1849 and is a unique example of an early provincial villa of the late Georgian period of a classical design.
It was added to the National Trust of Australia register in 1976 and the Register of the National Estate in 1978.
When completed, it will once again be the home of the Goulburn and District Historical and Genealogical Society (History Goulburn) and will house important archives and museum collections from Goulburn and surrounding regions.
St Clair Restoration Reserve is contributing $717,000 to the works, and a further $297,000 has been obtained through grant funding being:
- $200,000 through NSW Government Infrastructure Grants program for refurbishment of the Coach House
- $97,000 through the NSW Government Heritage Grants - Major Works program for the St Clair Conservation Works.
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