Local business identities of the Derwent Valley have put together a proposal for the use of the Council owned section of the Willow Court site. Many local residents received a phone call asking their opinion about a Rum Distillery and warehouse going into Willow Court. Many residents were confused as the phone survey didn’t indicate which section it was. There were a number of comments on social media which related to the oval wards and also the private section and many people were in favour of developing these areas.
The actual site is the area which was recently rejected for National Heritage Listing and includes Carlton House, Allonah and the Occupational Therapy building that connects the two wards which were once used for forensic mental health patients and later people with disabilities.
Kelvin Derksen who is one of the proponents of the project has joined our Facebook Group to discuss and answer any question people may have in relation to the business proposal.
New Norfolk Distillery The full proposal is on the website. The Derwent Valley Council currently have one Expression of Interest after their advertised period of time. That was from the Friends of Willow Court and the Council has encouraged them to pursue the plan.
The local Government election are currently in full swing with new and sitting Councillors all getting out and about. One of the issues that has been raised is the timing of this proposal and the current election, bad timing or good management, at this stage it’s hard to tell. Last week with Glenora Ward (G Ward) burning down there was a noticeable absence of local government figures commenting on the loss of yet another ward around the oval. Some have seen the site as an anchor around the neck of each council elected since 2003 as many residents still believe that most of the site is in a state of disrepair, open to vandalism and arson attacks. The concern, that a quick ill thought out decision could be put forward as early as the next Derwent Valley Council Meeting this month. This would commit the incoming Councillors to years of planning and negotiations.