Derwent Valley Council – Page 2 – Willow Court Tasmania

Rum bar set for approval

May 15, 2019 2 Comments

“84 representations were received within the statutory advertising period, which can be broken down into 53 representations against the proposed development and 31 representations in favour of the proposed development.” Agenda page 44 DVC meeting 16th May 2019

“The proposal is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.
Council must determine the application by 18 May 2019.”
Agenda page 44 DVC meeting 16th May 2019

Even though there were more objections to this planned distillery than support letters, the Council are set to approve the Development Application at their next meeting at the Lachlan Community Hall, Lachlan on Thursday, 16 May 2019 commencing at 6.00pm.

Members of the public are invited to watch as the Derwent Valley Council approve New Norfolk’s next bar.

The full agenda can be viewed on the DVC website: http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/minutesAgendas/16%20May%202019%20-%20Agenda.pdf

Concern raised and Planning Response

Why hasn’t the full intended use of the Alonnah building been disclosed? The application seeks approval for the establishment of the distillery operation only, as shown on the proposed plans. Other future uses would be subject to separate planning permit applications.

The Willow Court Barracks Precinct must remain in public ownership Land ownership is not a planning consideration. The benefits of retaining land in public ownership or otherwise does not form part of this assessment.

A rum distillery is disrespectful to people who have suffered psychiatric illness caused by alcohol, especially on this site. The planning scheme allows for the consideration of a distillery. Council, accordingly, must consider the application and decide to what degree the application achieves satisfactory compliance with the scheme.

The site should become a cultural centre for use by artists, musicians, writers, singers and performers. This particular application seeks approval to establish a distillery. The zone does not prohibit the use of the land for performance and other artistic pursuits, should persons wish to apply.

How will this heritage be maintained and reinforced through the proposed new use? How will the significant cultural heritage of the site be protected? The scheme allows of the consideration of prohibited uses within heritage buildings. This is a common conservation strategy which allows for the re-use of heritage buildings. This in itself provides a mechanism for the on-going protection of buildings, rather than allowing buildings to fall into disrepair through dis-use.

What about the other proposed and unclarified stages? The application seeks approval for the establishment of a distillery only, as shown on the proposed plans. Any further stages would be subject to separate planning permit applications and would assessed on their merits.

Already a large number of bottle shops and licensed venues. The business case for the establishment of the proposed distillery is weak. The competitiveness or otherwise of a proposed business is not a planning consideration. The feasibility of the proposed business from an economic perspective does not form part of this assessment.

Concern regarding the expression of interest process initiated in 2018. The expression of interest process initiated in 2018 has no bearing upon the assessment of the application.

Potential for introduction of the cane toad due to the purchase of sugar cane from the mainland. The potential for the transportation of cane toads would be dealt with under relevant biosecurity procedures. Such matters do not form a planning consideration.

Private development will be unsuccessful The feasibility of the proposed business from an ownership perspective does not form part of this assessment. Such matters do not form a planning consideration.

The proposed new opening in the wall fronting the Bronte Courtyard is not discreet and subsequently not recommended by the Conservation Management Plan. The proposed permit does not approve all aspects of the development including:  The proposed removal of the window.  The proposed removal of the internal wall.  The painting of exterior brickwork.

There should be a master plan. The subject site is contained within the Particular Purpose Zone, which identifies Willow Court. The purpose and objectives of the zone is considered to provide a suitable framework to guide the future development of the heritage precinct.

The impact of proposed subdivision upon the heritage significance of the precinct needs to be evaluated. The application does not seek approval for the subdivision of land. Any proposal for subdivision would be subject to a separate planning permit application and assessed accordingly.

Is there noise associated with the distillery? It is not expected that the proposed distillery will generate unreasonable levels of noise. Conditions are proposed in any case around noise and protection of amenity.

Are there any environmental impacts associated with the distillery? The distillery will produce methanol which can affect stonework. The proposed distillery will operate as a closed system. It is not anticipated that by-products such as methanol will be released to the air. Taswater have imposed conditions in relation to trade waste and a condition will be included in relation to the stormwater (relevant to the proposed car park construction works).

What about other services (e.g. heating) which may need to be installed? Will there be works beyond the zone indicated in the application? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application. A condition is however proposed requiring the submission of a detailed servicing plan, which will allow proper assessment to ensure the heritage significance of the building is not compromised through the addition of visible elements.

What about the removal of asbestos? Will thereby works beyond the zone indicated in the application? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application.

What about other repair works which may extend beyond the zone indicated in the application (e.g. roof repairs)? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application.

What about external equipment and plant? Insufficient detail provided. Refer to comments made above in relation to the servicing.

What about outdoor bin storage requirements? Arrangements are not shown on the plans. In relation to outdoor bin storage, an advising note is proposed which alerts the permit holder to the potential need to obtain further permission from both Council and the Heritage Council, should this be proposed.

What about turning circles for trucks? The application states that only commercial vans and small trucks will be seeking access the site. A condition is proposed which requires the submission of further documentation in relation to internal access and the proposed car park. This will include details in relation to turning and loading/unloading areas to ensure that they work.

The Avenue is under pressure. Increased traffic and deliveries will worsen the situation. The proposed development is considered to be relatively modest in scale. Although, at times, the proposed use could experience more than 40 vehicle movements per day, the overall carrying capacity of The Avenue is considered to be adequate to cater for expected maximum usage. It is noted that there may be a level of synergy between the existing restaurant which adjoins the proposed distillery and the distillery itself. This would see an efficiency in vehicle movements, in that visitors may choose to visit both sites at the same time.

The movement of commercial vehicles associated with an industrial installation will impact upon the Willow Court Barracks. The proposed development is considered to be relatively modest in scale. The applicant anticipates the use of commercial vans and small trucks only in terms of deliveries. It is not anticipated that such usage would result in harm to the Willow Court Barracks through vibrations or vehicle exhaust.

The application does not adequately address how the significance of the building will be preserved and how it will continue to be understood as a building which was part of the former Willow Court complex. The application proposes minimal physical alteration to the exterior of the building, meaning it will continue to present a familiar face within the complex. The applicant has proposed the retention of former signage, which from an interpretative perspective will ensure that link is preserved between the former use and the proposed use. A condition is also proposed which will require the preparation of a further interpretive plan to communicate the heritage values of the building and wider context of the Willow Court site.

The attached plans are available here http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/minutesAgendas/16%20May%202019%20Attachment%20A%20for%20Agenda%20Item%209.2.pdf

All representations in support of the application have been noted and can be summarised as follows:

 Many buildings have been left dilapidated. The application provides an opportunity for the re-invention the building and surrounding site.
 The distillery will complement this part of Willow Court which is emerging as a hospitality hub.
 The distillery will become an important asset for new Norfolk.
 The proposed development will boost jobs and the local economy.
 Visitors to Willow Court will promote tourism within the Derwent Valley.  The use of the building will deter the further vandalism of buildings.
 The proposed development represents an opportunity for the creation of new, happy memories while not forgetting the past.

Global, Local

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION and SALE of COUNCIL OWNED BUILDINGS AT WILLOW COURT

April 24, 2019 4 Comments

Last opportunity to have your say on the sale of Willow Court to a private business.

On February 2018 the Derwent Valley Council opened Expressions of Interest for future uses for Willow Court, which has resulted in four proposals being presented: two community and two commercial proposals.

A Development Application (DA) for the adaptive reuse of part of one Alonnah, which was previously the Women’s high security Ward, as a Rum Distillery has been lodged with Council. The application states that ‘Alonnah is proposed to become a rum distillery with the front roadside section of Alonnah comprising a mini still, tasting and storage, being Stage 1. … The buildings of Occupation Therapy and Carlton together with the small exercise yard are included in the property site.’ Minutes of the Council Meeting on 20 September 2018 (p143) note that the proposal includes a request to purchase these buildings. Submissions for public comment on Stage 1 are due by 5pm on 4 May.

The application lists a proposed development:

“Works comprising partial demolition, internal fit-out and external alterations in association with production (rum distillery) and also incorporating tasting bar and signage”

Works to the north-east corner of Alonnah, adjacent to the Agrarian Kitchen, are listed as

Make good building defects
Remove an existing window
Form new wall opening for door entry into tasting room
Form new opening with window in front wall
Demolish existing wall, install full height glazing or public viewing of barrels
Fit out (including bar, rum still, barrel storage, office, toilet)

The application can be viewed on the Council website, or in person at the Council during working hours.

http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=701&c=12356

More information about future stages can be viewed on the Distillery website, which lists the proposed future stages and show images of future work, which include significant alterations to this entire building, and to Occupational Therapy and Carlton (Ward C).

https://www.newnorfolkdistillery.com/

Global, Local

A Rum Proposal

September 13, 2018 No Comments

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.

Global, Local

Friends set to take off

July 15, 2018 No Comments

The Friends of Willow Court are set to take off with a proposed calendar of events, a Facebook page and a dedicated website for Willow Court if all is approved at the next Derwent Valley Council Meeting.

Despite their small number, the Friends group have consistently arranged and been at Working Bee’s, Open Days, History Tours, History based drama performances, Heritage month activities and when called upon to do so. Recently I was able to offer some support with a tour for a couple of visiting Academics from Manchester University in the UK and two more tours, one for TasTAFE students who are all local Derwent Valley people currently studying Disability Support at the Derwent Valley Community House and are about to enter the local workforce, the second tour was a group of people from different backgrounds but many had a child with a disability. This was a very sensitive tour considering the very real connection these parents felt with such a close history.

None of this was possible without the Friends of Willow Court who promote the site in a sensitive and positive way to the community and the visitors to the site.

Below is the, yet to be approved, events list as per the public document in the DVC website:

Global, Local

More secret decisions from DVC about Willow Court

June 20, 2018 2 Comments

“Expressions of Interest” for the Heritage Precinct signs removed on the 31 May.

“In relation to the council-owned buildings on the site, Cr Shaw said an expression of interest process had recently concluded and a number of submissions had been reviewed. “A report to council is expected this month,” Cr Shaw said, noting that this was likely to be tabled in a closed council meeting due to confidentiality.” New Norfolk News 09.06.2018

More and more decisions are being made behind closed doors in the Derwent Valley Council and the above is yet another case. Willow Court is a Heritage location worthy of National Heritage listing (Currently being approved) and the Derwent Valley Council are the Custodians of our heritage and to see these important decisions being made without public consultation is of concern.

With closed doors again there is a concern that exiting Councillor’s will go along with decisions that are made by Councillors who are looking for a “quick fix” for their own re-election campaign due in October this year.

The Mayor was recorded as stating;

“Willow Court had been a millstone around the council’s neck for 18 years, costing ratepayers “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” a year” New Norfolk News 09.06.2018

Closed doors and attitudes towards Tasmania’s Heritage such as this is a concern for people interested in Tasmanian history and a seriously call to State and Federal Government to intervene is needed. There hasn’t been any entrepreneurial skills shown by the owners of the Heritage Precinct known as the Willow Court Barracks area and only a small number of groups have had access over the years.

Last month’s secret decisions were:

Australian Paranormal Investigation Unit – tours of Willow Court and Frescati House: Approved.

Tasmania’s Most Haunted – paranormal tours of Willow Court precinct: Approved.

Documentary film at Willow Court: Deferred for further information.

We will have to wait and see who has applied to use or buy the area and for what purpose.

Global, Local

Entire Site for sale

February 1, 2018 No Comments

There are three main owners of the west side of the old Royal Derwent Hospital, known as the Willow Court Training Centre and each owner is currently offering their site, in whole or in part, for sale or lease. This hasn’t happened since the Tasmanian Government sold the whole site after the closure in 2001. The only area that isn’t for sale is the Administration Building and old School (currently the Derwent Valley Community House) which is close to vacating and moving to a new site.

Heritage Precinct:

The Derwent Valley Council have approved an Expression of Interest for the use of the remaining sections of the Barracks, C and A Wards and also Frascati House. Although enquiries to gain access to this document have failed as there is still work to be done before it is ready.

The Oval Wards:

The owner of the Oval Wards, D, E and G has also put out an expression of interest by Tender on the site. This site is currently under dispute with the Derwent Valley Council who are seeking legal advise according to their last agenda. As far back as the opening day of Dark Mofo at WIllow Court, I was informed that the DVC were going to reclaim these buildings due to the fact that no progress was made toward converting them to residential accommodation by the developer as was agreed.

Agenda Thursday, 18th January 2018

That the General Manager report to the February meeting with independent legal advice regarding the Council’s options to either complete the sale of the property at Willow Court known as the “Oval Buildings” (formerly Wards D, E and G) or recover the properties from
the purchaser.

Rationale

This issue has been dragging on for too long, with conflicting advice being provided at various times. Councillors are in need of independent legal advice in order to make an informed decision on how best to move forward with this.

The current Tender process is advertising that the property would be a “Great opportunity for investor / developer to redevelop or ‘land bank'”“. For those that may not have come across this term “land banking”, the oval Wards are a good example of “land banking” as is Claremont Primary School. Both buildings have been allow to fall into a state of disrepair and be subjected to vandals. However the land still increases in value as time moves forward. The little that is done to the property the higher the profit.

If the Derwent Valley Council regain these Wards and land we have to look at their long history of management of the buildings and the site to consider if this is a good idea. The Council has owned the site from 2003 and most of the current damage to each building happened while under their control and management. Offering it for sale again, as it is now, may allow the Council more control over the next owners aspirations. Any potential owner would still be subject to the Heritage and Council restrictions that currently apply, so the extra cost and potential community benefit that the Council would undertake with rate payer money is not yet clear. The current dispute between the owner and the DVC would certainly detract any potential investor, one would assume.

The Commercial area:

All the privately owned section around Patchwork Cafe (including the cafe) are also for sale through an expression of interest process with some buildings maintaining a current lease. There are 5 separate strata titles in Willow Court. including a number of buildings constructed from 1860 to the early 1960s. The advertisement includes the Ladies Cottage which is described as; “One of the most historic buildings available anywhere in Tasmania”. This is the second oldest building on the whole Hospital site circa 1860. All buildings are either is a state of disrepair or have undergone some level of work allowing for occupation.

Global, Local

Expression of Interest (Sale or Lease)

January 14, 2018 No Comments

The long awaited Expression Of Interest (EOI) concept for the sale or lease of Willow Court was announced nearly three years ago (March 2015) and on the 30.12.2017 I was sent an email from Cr Bester stating;

The Council recently approved the release of an Expression of Interest document… he goes on to state that no EOI have been supplied for the group of Councillor to view.

The last part of the statement is interesting seeing that the final document has not been issued! Telling the public that the process is advanced and that they are waiting for EOI is “Fake News”.

This has been the Council’s prefered option to deal with the publicly owned Heritage Site that they currently are the Custodians. I was keen to understand the context that was going to be part of the decision making process around the lease or sale of our Tasmanian Heritage Site, so I wrote to the Derwent Valley Council to:

Ask for the Expression of interest documentation and,
To have supplied, any related documentation around any decisions around the type of use for the site. (ethics)

I think it is important that the Council, who are the current Custodians of the site, explain the context by which they are going to sell or lease the site and what sort of activities they are ethically bound by heritage and by their own collective thoughts to allow on the site. At this stage we have only heard from a small number of individual Councillors who have had a range of personal opinions, but nothing in writing from them as a collective.

I believe that our Tasmanian Heritage needs the utmost consideration when a public entity such as the State Government or a Local Government body decide to offer our Heritage for sale to private enterprise.

I have floated the concept at meetings that without a guiding document around this the Council could well sell the site for a theme park. While most Councillors reject this notion, without some guiding document, what I suggest could become a reality.

At the last Council meeting (December) a member of the public asked a question of the Council and in doing so stated that the Oval Wards (D, E, F, G) and land were sold for $43,500 while an offer of $200,000 sat on the table. It is important to note that no Councillors choose to confirm or deny the figures announced by the member of the public and the context of the sale was not mentioned.

I received an email back from the The Executive Assistant, Melinda Pearce which appears to contradict the announcement made earlier about the release of the document itself.

“I can confirm that an EOI has not been publicly released yet”

So as a Tasmanian interested in Tasmanian Heritage, in particular Willow Court, I am left confused by these contradictory statements. Does this Council know what it is doing with this process? I would suggest that clearly there are issues with the system that has already taken nearly three years to produce the EOI and clearly there are issue between Councillors about the actual release.

We can only wait to see what ethical boundaries they have placed on any interested party who wishes to use the site which they are the Tasmanian Custodians!

Global, Local

Reflective Garden

December 20, 2017 2 Comments

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with some of the Friends of Frascati House (FoFH) as they inspected the new layout and progress of the Reflective Garden, sited between the rear of the Frascati House (1834) and The Avenue.

Over the past 2-3 years the “Flourish Mental Health Action in Our Hands” self advocacy group have been in discussions with the Derwent Valley Council and the Friends of Frascati House to see if it is possible to also contribute a plaque for the Gardens.

I have been involved in this committee for over twelve months and while there has been some progression, little physical evidence has happened. Last week I was able to have a discussion with Councillor Bester and Mr Greg Winton, General Manager along with three members of the Frascati House Committee who agreed to further discussions with Flourish.

It would appear that the wording of the proposed plaque that the FoFH have submitted to Council and the wording on the plaque that Flourish self advocacy group have proposed are almost identical.

I am currently waiting for Jess Dallas who is the Council’s Project Manager to contact me back with the wording*. If both groups can agree, there is an opportunity for a plaque to be installed to remember past residents, staff and community members that were involved in the Hospital’s 174 years of operation.

Frascati House Committee and the Derwent Valley Council have also considered some proposed insensitive activities in the old home but it is nice to see that there is an opportunity to have some respectful and sensitive activity on the site.

*p.s. Jess Dallas had sent the wording but due to a communication issue I only received it yesterday. Thanks Jess.

APIU, DVC may approve tour of “Satan’s House”!

Friends of Frascati House looking at the Reflective Garden

Global, Local

Council move to clean up oval wards.

December 16, 2017 8 Comments

The Derwent Valley Council have placed an Abatement Notice on the Willow Court Oval Wards currently owned by Glenora ll Pty Ltd and managed by Tony Ellis. The Wards have been an eye sore now for many years and although owned privately have failed to reach any planned potential. The oval and Wards were originally sold to Robert Rockerfellow, who after dividing profitable land from least profitable on sold the buildings to Ellis for unit development.

Mr Ellis, who has also planned an apartment complex for Willow Court in New Norfolk, offered an apology to those affected.

“A painful time it’s been for me and my family, being off on unpaid sick leave for nine months,” he said.

“However, after this really challenging period of my life, it’s wonderful to be back at work again for part two of my life.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise to anyone who has been impacted — especially financially — by these delays, and I gratefully appreciate their patience as I’m now at work quickly resolving these issues.” Mercury Article Sept 2017

Global, Local

Unlock Willow Court

December 14, 2017 3 Comments

Dr Helen Norrie listens and facilitates discussions

Last night I attended a gathering at Willow Court with Dr Helen Norrie and Dr Tamas Oszvald, both from the University of Tasmania. They are working with the Derwent Valley Council and the New Norfolk community to scope potential collaborative projects that could facilitate the activation of Willow Court, engaging with past, present and future narratives and histories.

This initiative was funded by a grant from UTAS Creativity, Culture and Society research stream, and the project aims to develop a list of potential future projects, and collaborative partners.

The key focus of the meeting and the whole project involved piecing together information that exists, identifying gaps in knowledge/information as documented, identifying key ‘knowledge custodians’ and understanding the complexities of recent and past histories.

There was representation from:

New Norfolk High School,

Derwent Valley Council,

Friends of Frascati House,

Friends of Willow Court,

New Norfolk Business Alliance,

Local Tourist operators,

Derwent Valley Players,

Owners of the Agrarian Kitchen and other interested parties.

Can Seng Ooi, Professor in Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Hamish Maxwell- Stewart, Professor of History and the co-author of a previous report into the reuse of Willow Court, Professor Lucy Frost were in attendance.

We were presented with a scope of the project by Dr Helen Norrie and Dr Tamas Oszvald and then we were asked to introduce ourselves and our connection with the site. A moderated discussion of possible future projects on the site and the interconnection they could have with the community, locally, Statewide and nationally were then discussed. A short time of questions.

Previous Reports and General Information Table.

An update on the DVC’s “expression of interest” process was given by the General Manager Mr Greg Winton.

Personal thoughts: For me this is the last ditch effort to get some common ground and for all parties to work towards one agenda. Failure to work together will simply add another report to the already high pile of the 16 previous reports and this would be a serious concern for the site.

I have a good feeling about this. We can only contribute and work towards Willow Court becoming a place to visit in Tasmania and hope that other agendas will be left behind. I know that both Helen and Tamas are working hard to see that happen.

On a not so related matter, meetings at Willow Court Barracks without toilet facilities are a sure test of endurance for invited guests!

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