Worker cottage could be ‘history’

By John Van Klaveren
A DEMOLITION order on one of Geelong’s oldest buildings has been suspended pending a Heritage Victoria report.
Businessman Ron Stephens applied to demolish the Mercer Plc working-man’s cottage for a car park.
Council applied for a suspension of the demolition after Geelong National Trust planning officer Jennifer Bantow flagged the property’s historic significance.
Ms Bantow said the cottage first appeared on an 1854 map of Geelong but lacked heritage overlay protection.
“It’s a miracle the place has survived from that period without a heritage overlay.
“It’s a working man’s house from the early part of Geelong’s settlement when Mercer St was a busy commercial entrance to the town.
“It dates from the pre-gold rush era and anything from that period is so rare and amazing.
Ms Bantow said the cottage had so far escaped redevelopment because it was tucked away.
“It’s the only little brick house in Mercer Plc.
“The cottage is no longer in pristine original condition but, apart from its architectural significance, there are many other important reasons for preserving it.
“Its history hasn’t been looked at closely, so we need a stay of execution so the place can be researched.
Ms Bantow said seeking an interim preservation order from Planning Minister Matthew Guy was the only option to save the cottage.
“It’s not likely to get onto the Heritage Victoria listing or be of state interest but it should certainly be within the local heritage overlay.”
A Department of Planning and Community Development spokesperson said council’s bid for a stay of demolition was under consideration.