Brett Noble the Senior Project Manager for the Willow Court Conservation Special Committee last Tuesday night gave the Friends of Willow Court Special Committee a briefing about progress of the restoration of the site. The work started last Monday on the Barracks, but not that you would be able to tell yet. The first stage is a full inspection of the whole job to gain a clear understanding of the buildings concerned and what is new and what is older and needs restoration.

After this process, application is made to Heritage Tasmania for approval to proceed with the works. Some works will start sooner as these are considered as normal maintenance. The windows will soon be uncovered and restored while the larger works will proceed when approval is granted and that is expected in November.

Brett’s attention to the heritage detail came through as the briefing continued and he showed a passion for the site, even for its smallest artefacts.  One thing that was made clear is that despite the age of the buildings they will have wheelchair access.

The amount of money that will be spent on these buildings and the works is in the order of 1.5 million dollars. While there has to be flexibility in the process here and it would have to be emphasise that the plans are still fluid and will be further developed through documenting what needs to be done and also through receiving comment from the public through the planning approval process.

The completion date could be in March 2014 but this is something that is defiantly flexible.

The Barracks:  He reported that the northern side of the Barracks was in good condition inside, some work on the roof is needed. The middle section of the Barracks has no floor and will lend itself to an archaeological dig which will be a tourist drawcard. The south rooms of the Barracks will also be a multi-purpose space with any larger artefacts being on wheels and movable.

The Grounds:  The grounds will be landscaped starting with the entry way which will draw the eye towards the restored Barracks building. The use of lush green lawns and coloured rock pathways will be used to emphasise areas and take the visitor to different locations. The front of the Barracks (forecourt) can be used for the dramas and market events like we have already seen on open days in this area.

Bronte:  Bronte will be a multipurpose use building with space in the large rear area to have class room activities etc. and the middle space will have a kitchenette fitted, the toilets in the middle of the old ward will be demolished and the veranda re-instated. The plant room will have minimal restoration and will have a Perspex door fixed so people will be able to view the large industrial pipe works and equipment used to distribute the old steam heating system.

Frascati House: This property will be mothballed until funds are available to do the appropriate works although the boundaries will be defined with a stratum title. The fence around the building will be moved to allow the Friends of Frascati to continue with restoration of the gardens. A study of the flora surrounding the house will determine what age and historical significance the plants are.

Carlton and Alonnah Wards: These wards are set to have a separate access road south of the Bronte ward and the buildings will be opened to businesses to occupy and help give the remaining area some much needed funds. While this was a disappointment to the Friends of Willow Court, there is an understanding of the amount of money and buildings all in need of some restoration. Discussion took place around how to restore this area in another form so that visitors could find out about it when visiting the site.