Housing plan for Queenscliff heritage site

THE SISTERS of Mercy are aiming to cash in on a beachside Queenscliff property with a plan to build nine new houses at its heritage-listed site.

Santa Casa, at Flinders Street is subject of a planning application to the Borough of Queenscliffe to subdivide the block into 10 separate blocks to facilitate residential development.

The plan would retain the 1901 heritage building at the property, which has been used as a Catholic school and convent, Sisters holiday house, institutional care facility and more recently a retreat and conference centre.

A hostel to the rear of the original building, built in 1970, would be demolished to make way for the subdivision.

The property at 33-35 Flinders Street has heritage protection following a 2009 Queenscliff Heritage Study, which found that Santa Casa was of “historical and architectural significance” to the borough.

“Historically, it is significant as a large ecclesiastical institutional building which has been a focus of activity for the Borough’s Catholic community for over a century, with a long association with the Sisters of Mercy.

“It also remains in the hands of its original owners, and is still substantively used for its original purpose.

“Santa Casa is also the earliest surviving building to be used as an institutional seaside rest home in Queenscliff that is still in use.

“Architecturally, while relatively undistinguished, it is nevertheless a substantial and imposing structure on a large landholding, located prominently at the entrance to the Queenscliff peninsula.”

Proponents underwent heritage studies as part of its application, including preliminary assessments with borough heritage advisors.

The planning application notes that continuous changes have occurred to the heritage building’s surrounding area and vegetation, and argues that only the building and immediate surrounds should have protection.

Planners also commissioned a cultural heritage study due to potential Aboriginal archaeological significance of the property, which recommended that developers undergo a Cultural Heritage Management Plan before any construction.

The subdivision sets aside a 2788-sqm block for the Santa Casa building, plus a road reserve and nine lots ranging from 501 to 791sqm.