On Wednesday August 11th Moreland Councillors will be asked to vote on a recommendation to sell the vacant land to the east of the Moreland Municipal complex in Coburg, which will include the land and Pentridge Warder's Bluestone Cottage (built in 1864 and on the Victorian heritage Register HO 0689) at 82 Bell Street - which operates as a Museum and the Society headquarters.

The Society does significant work for Moreland on a completely volunteer basis - running a well attended history lecture series, generating a quarterly research publication, opening the museum regularly for the community, nominating buildings for heritage protection and answering questions about Coburg history from residents and other interested parties.

The Society holds a collection of objects and documents relating to the history of all areas of Coburg and Pascoe Vale, in three buildings - the Cottage, the kitchen and the Gordon Perlstein Annex – a former garage located behind the two State and Local heritage significant buildings at the front of the property.

The Society wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that we oppose the sale of the cottage, and the land on which is located, to private interests.  It is a public asset and should continue to function as the continued home of the Coburg Historical Society and its museum.

Background

The Bluestone Cottage dates from 1864 and has both local and state heritage significance.  Coburg Historical Society was formed in 1972, and the former City of Coburg purchased the cottage in 1978.  In 1981, the Society became custodians of the cottage. 

Apart from its relationship with the Society, the cottage (together with its outdoor kitchen) is closely linked to Pentridge Gaol.  It was built, occupied and owned by the Smith family, who were prison warders for two generations.  In terms of the historic built environment, the house is the only remaining bluestone dwelling located on Bell Street close to the former prison and within the sound of the bells that used to call warders to work.  

Finally, the cottage remains an important building in the context of the early European settlement of the Coburg area.  This is recognised by its listing on the Victorian State Heritage Register. 

The Coburg Historical Society's Position

We propose that:

• the City of Moreland retains ownership of the 82 Bell Street site (cottage/external kitchen and land upon which they sit) 
• the cottage and detached kitchen is restored and used as an interpretive centre
• and ultimately, a purpose-built storage, exhibition, and archive building be constructed on vacant land adjacent to the cottage with State and Council financial support.