Historic building refurbished for community use

11/9/04
A landmark Beckenham homestead has been given new life by the State Government for use by the community.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today opened the former homestead on Horley Road, which will be used as the headquarters for the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL).
Ms MacTiernan said the house was situated on land owned by the State Government and had been leased to SERCUL for a five-year period.
"The City of Gosnells played a major role in saving this wonderful Victorian Georgian-style building for the community and I think they should be congratulated for their foresight," she said.
"This is a very historic site, which includes a brick well constructed by convicts around 1860.
"The State Government commissioned a heritage assessment that was presented to the Heritage Council, who in turn agreed that the property should be placed on the municipal heritage inventory of the City of Gosnells."
The Minister said the State Government had funded works to the homestead including the repair of white-ant damage, a new verandah, new roof and fresh paint.
"Built in 1906, the house is not only of historical value, it is also of sentimental value to many residents in the area," she said.
"The original rural environment in which the building stands is being encroached on by a growing city and its transport needs, but is now being replaced by a created park in an effort to enhance city living.
"The Western Australian Planning Commission is restoring the land around the residence as parkland, including the development of pathways and replacement wetlands that once existed at the site."
Ms MacTiernan said the establishment of SERCUL's headquarters at the homestead would provide a focal point and resource centre for the community and established environment groups.
Minister's office: 9213 6400