A KIND of hush has settled in the aftermathof Kenmore Hospital’s sale, but behind the scenes consultants have been busily working on a long- term development plan.
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The owner, Lila Chan, director of LAJC Energy Pty Ltd, has also been a frequent visitor to the Taralga Rd site since buying the 75-hectare State significant property last August.
Planning consultant with LFA Pacific, Alf Lester told the Goulburn Post it was still early days with the site’s development. He and his team are reviewing former heritage conservation and master plans for Kenmore and judging what is possible.
He hoped to complete this by December and then come up with his own master plan, for both Heritage Council and Goulburn Mulwaree Council approval.
“It is not necessary at this stage to go down to individual buildings, but to develop a broad strategy that will outline where development can occur and what buildings can be taken out of play and demolished,” Mr Lester said.
Any demolition would have to be approved by the NSW Heritage Office. Mr Lester said he’d had some thoughts on future uses. These include a university campus if the University of Canberra secures funding for a regional facility.
During a recent tour of Kenmore, university officials “fell in love with” the central administration building, but Mr Lester believed it might not be suitable for teaching.
They also viewed buildings on the Taralga Rd side, the old clock tower, ward six and the carpentry building.
“We could most certainly accommodate them,” Mr Lester said.
The owners already have other ideas for the central administration building. Mr Lester said it would be ideal for a boutique hotel and the clock tower structure as a reception area.
Former owners Longreach Capital Pty Ltd also pegged the administration block for a boutique hotel.
New residential development is also still on the agenda, including self-contained, high quality residential accommodation. The developers are also keen to use existing buildings for various forms of accommodation.
Mr Lester said Ms Chan was enthusiastic about restoring one of the houses for her own use during visits.
A defunct kitchen, once used to prepare meals for Goulburn and district hospitals, could be resurrected for that purpose or another catering activity.
