Our famous and much-loved Heritage House was built in 1904, originally to be the Council House. Since a new Civic Centre was built in 1960 this building has had a number of uses. The building was recognised by the Heritage Council of WA in 1999. This means that the City is required to protect the site. Most recently it has been the home of the May and Herbert Gibbs Art Gallery, recognising the creators of much famous work, including the Gumnut Babies. The rooms also display items of local history, a vital and fascinating link with our past.
Nearby is the Perth Zoo, the destination for six hundred thousand visitors a year. Equally close are coffee shops, other heritage buildings, the lively Windsor Hotel, Mends Street shopping precinct and the ferry to Perth. What is missing is a permanent use and attraction that brings regular visitors, and some way of providing financial support to keep it alive.
Until recently this little gem was staffed by one person and saw almost no visitors. To keep Heritage House going we need imagination, at least one distinct purpose and a full-time staff of at least two. The likely running costs will be about $150,000 per year. How do we do it?
My vision is that we can change the zoning from ‘Civic and Cultural’ to ‘Commercial’ to match that of the rest of the Mends Street area, and create two purposes within the building. One purpose would curate and display works of art and history; the other would contribute to community development while providing funds for operation and maintenance. Oh, and a shop would probably not fit either of these needs.
I have heard that the Australia Day Council of WA has expressed interest in using the facility. Their patron is His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC, Governor of Western Australia and the Vice Patron is Premier of WA, Colin Barnett.
Another use could be to provide a Sustainability Information and Demonstration centre, supported by relevant industries. This has been done very successfully in Woollahra, Sydney, an area much like South Perth.
What are your thoughts? I’m really interested in hearing positive, optimistic, imaginative ideas for the future of this place. Please click ‘Comments’ below to add your thoughts. Just log in as “Name” (no password required) or email me and I’ll publish your words right here.
2 comments:
Good idea Pete. Keep up the good work.
Pete, When Phillip Pendal facilitated acquisition of the collection from NSW, the city had a curator, Chris Sharkey, and an active restoration and exhibition program in place. There were a number of excellent publications produced by Chris, highlighting South Perth, using the extensive Herbert and May Gibbs collection. The opening nights were wonderful events, and generated interest in both the collection, and South Perth collectively. Without using the artworks in this positive way, it's a waste.You need staff with this sort of interest to promote The City and push a positive cultural agenda, for multiple benefits. Good luck!
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