Uni plan for grand manor advances
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday March 30, 2011
A PROPOSAL to sell or lease historic Gleniffer Brae has moved a step closer, despite fierce community opposition.At a Wollongong City Council meeting last night, administrators endorsed a report into a University of Wollongong proposal to lease Manor House and Sorenson Gardens and buy a smaller portion of the site that once housed SCEGGS school.Under the proposal, the former school site along Murphys Ave, Keiraville, would become an arts centre incorporating the Conservatorium of Music and the Faculty of Creative Arts. The work would start within four years.The university would pay $1.2 million plus GST for that site, and a $65,000 plus GST rent payment for a 25-year lease on the manor site. UOW would also have the option to extend their lease by a further 25 years for an additional $65,000 plus GST.While the manor and gardens would remain in council ownership, the university would be responsible for maintenance.The council has faced strong opposition to any sale since expressions of interest were first sought in May last year and South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris last night declared the sale of public assets by a non-elected council "intolerable"."Without an elected government to make that recommendation ... I don't see why the people of this city should tolerate that," he said.Meredith Hutton of the National Trust of Australia accused the council of seeking to "offload" its financial responsibility for Gleniffer Brae and urged the administrators to delay any decision.Mr Rorris suggested that should council elections be held in September as promised by the Coalition, an elected council could find it difficult to reverse any deal with the university.Administrator Robert McGregor said a report to "the council of the day" would be delivered in October and would not commit them to any particular course of action."Full and proper" consultation with the community would be carried out before any decision was made, he added.Two information sessions will be held in May and the proposal is available on the council's website.HAVE YOUR SAY letters@illawarramercury.com.au
© 2011 Illawarra Mercury
