There has been a recent deluge of social media commentary from the former lessee of Rockend Cottage about his dealings with Council while attempting to establish a restaurant at the site. The former lessee paints himself as a victim of Council bureaucracy in his bid to get the business up-and-running but the sad truth is that he has been the architect of his own misfortune. After being granted the lease for this historic, heritage-listed building – which was at one time the home of the famous poet and writer Banjo Paterson – the former lessee conducted substantial unauthorised building works, including the removal of walls, penetrations into structural timber beams and the pouring of a concrete slab on the ground floor. Council needed to ensure that the structural integrity and the heritage fabric of the building was not compromised further and we sought to work with him to rectify these issues, but this proved unsuccessful after several attempts. We are now working with structural engineers and heritage advisors to determine the extent of the damages so that qualified tradespeople can undertake the necessary repairs to this culturally significant building, which remains an important community asset. Following the repairs, Council will undertake a market process to identify the most suitable lessee for the building moving ahead.
I’m encouraging all our keen knitters to come to Council’s Annual Knit-in, taking place at Ryde Library on Friday 7 August from 10.00am – 2.00pm, supporting the not-for-profit organisation Wrap with Love. This Sydney-based group works with national and international aid agencies to deliver wraps directly to people in areas of trauma and need and has benefitted more than 600,000 people since 1992. So, bring along your knitting needles, crochet hooks, and sewing needles. Light refreshments will be provided. For more details on the Annual Knit-In, click here.
I’m pleased to say that I’ll be available for another informal community get-together on 10 August at Coxs Road Mall, North Ryde from 10.00am – 12.00pm as I continue my new series of Mayor’s Monday Meet-ups. I have been heartened to see so many engaged and interested community members at these events, which give me a fantastic opportunity to talk to you about the work Council is doing on your behalf and to receive suggestions about how we can improve our City. These events are family-friendly, so please bring the kids.
Sincerely, Trenton Brown – Mayor