Should Council purchase historic buildings?

By Tina Seirlis

An article (M/News 14 Nov) about the sale of historically significant Manor House has stimulated community interest about the potential for public acquisition and use.
Motivated locals took to social media to suggest Moorabool Council should purchase the majestic home of Captain William Bacchus, one of the original European settlers in Bacchus Marsh.

The property itself is rare within the state of Victoria due to its pre-gold rush origins and, considering the authenticity of the property’s connection to the town’s history and name, some locals have proposed the property could be purchased by Council and utilised as an historical museum and home base for the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society.

Moorabool Shire Council has not yet responded to enquiries about whether they would or should, consider buying the property, but did state Manor House is located in the General Residential Zone (GRZ3) and is subject to a Heritage Overlay (HO9). They advised it is important that any prospective purchaser familiarise themselves with the zone and overlay and any requirements within them.

Operating a museum or gallery is considered to be a Section 2 use within the general residential area, and as such a planning permit would be required.
President of Bacchus Marsh Historical Society, John Spain, said the Society’s main priority would be to advocate that such buildings are not lost or compromised by neglect, regardless of ownership.

“It is logical that if the Council was to acquire it for the use of the community and/or Historical Society, it would seem to fit with the purposes and objectives of the Society,” he said.

“Consideration would need to be given towards other significant factors such as responsibility for running costs, ensuring the building was fit for purpose, planning requirements, car parking, volunteer resource, climate control for the protection of historical documents and archives, along with ease of access as a tourist destination.”

Local artists’ collective, B-MAC Gallery President Alison Durham, said they really want, and need, a home.

“If we had a dedicated space of any description, we’d make it work. Somewhere that artists can work together and showcase their works,” she said.

“We’d be happy with anything, including the (Manor House) outer buildings as an opportunity.”

Listing agent Steve Creese (Bacchus Marsh Real Estate) recently advised that the 2768 square metre property is expected to sell between $1.74million and $1.8million.