The fate of the Coburg Historical Society’s (‘CHS’) museum and headquarters, the 1860s bluestone cottage complex, remains uncertain amid the proposed sell-off of the partially vacant block on which it stands. Although the cottage itself has a heritage listing, there is a concern that the CHS would get the boot if the building were to be used by the private company, Coburg Health Hub, for part of its planned health precinct.
CHS have been caretakers of the building since the 1980s. On top of general upkeep, the group have used the space to display the history of the stone cottage itself, which was built by Irish immigrant and Pentridge Prison warder James Smith, after his more flammable wooden cottage was burnt down. He purportedly believed his new stone house to be fire-proof.
Upon hearing news of the proposed sale of land, CHS created a petition which they brought to Moreland Council in August. Councillors voted (though not unanimously) to start a consultation process for the sell-off, with The Greens stating that their intention in the consultation process is to maintain ownership of the piece of land that the cottage is on.
According to the Council, Coburg Health Hub have ‘confirmed support’ for allowing CHS to maintain their position in the cottage, however it is unclear how that would look. In theory, CHS could become tenants of the Coburg Health Hub, which would mean less security in their position. Many are instead pushing for the section of land that the cottage is on to be excised from the sale of the land.
The plans for the health precinct include a range of clinics, both private and bulk-billed, as well as a childcare centre and private hospital.
Moreland Council claim to have ideally wanted a public hospital for the site, but say the State Government targets for the area would not have supported that decision, and that this was the next best thing in their view. Some locals argue however that a health hub is unnecessary given there are multiple health clinics, both public and private, in the area. This argument raises broader concerns about the Council selling public land where there is little, if any, public benefit.
Interestingly, Mayor Annalivia Carli Hannan has declared a conflict of interest and will not be able to vote on the sale. A final decision on the sale of the land is set to be made later this year in November.
By SAS & BB
The Coburg Meddler 