City of Greater Geelong Councillors have noted the findings of an independent feasibility study into the relocation of a bluestone cottage from Barwon Heads Road.
McAteer’s Bluestone Cottage was built in 1856 and was dismantled and stored by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) last year during works to duplicate Barwon Heads Road.
Council resolved on 21 June 2021 to consider different options for relocating and reconstructing the cottage within the Marshall and Charlemont areas.
The feasibility study has examined five options to relocate the cottage, including proposals from Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group and MRPV.
Last night Councillors resolved to support further investigations into the cost, potential use, planning and detailed design requirements for option three, which is a proposal to relocate the cottage to Marshall Reserve (also known as JF Field Memorial Park).
The feasibility study has considered all the options for the relocation, interpretation and reconstruction of the cottage.
Should Council proceed to construction, the City would seek full funding for from the State Government, given its removal was necessitated by the State Government’s road upgrade.
Mayor Peter Murrihy
The feasibility study gathered valuable information about the history of the cottage, including detailed discussions with the local community group and heritage authorities.
We will complete further works to investigate the best way to retain the cottage as a symbolic landmark of the hamlet of Marshalltown.
Heritage Deputy Chair, Councillor Belinda Moloney
We listened to community group feedback and worked with the Victorian Government to appropriately dismantle and store the heritage cottage. We will continue to work with the community group to find an appropriate use for the cottage.
