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| State exposure for heritage facelift
The building, on the corner of Darling and Adelaide Streets, Wentworth, has been featured in the latest edition of the NSW Heritage Office newsletter. And Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Warren Ward, is pleased to see such an "exciting development project" getting due recognition. The full-page expose, including before and after photographs of the initial restoration effort, details the history of the building, its fall into decay and its subsequent revitalisation in a collaborative effort between its present owner and the NSW Heritage Office. The article quotes the Shire's Heritage Officer, Garry Stanley, who makes regular, monthly trips to the municipality from his Sydney base. Mr Stanley's brief is to assist the local council and community to care for and promote their heritage and he has been the crucial link behind a project to transform the town. "It is all part of a heritage strategy to capitalise on Wentworth's heritage assets as the basis for cultural tourism," Mr Stanley said. "Wentworth has a legacy of handsome 19th century buildings as well as a famous paddlesteamer and the community is starting to see what can happen when an interested group of people and two tiers of government work together. "The old Navigation Company building is the latest success for Wentworth's heritage program. "With the help of funding from the Heritage Incentives Program - coupled with a willingness by property owners to conserve significant buildings - a formerly jaded main street has been transformed to an attractive streetscape with shady verandahs and historic character."
The article says: "Cookes Butchery (as the building is often referred to locally because the butchery was the last business to occupy part of the building) was originally built as a warehouse in 1890 at a time when Wentworth was a vital port for river traffic and a depot for supplies bound for the interior. "At the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Wentworth was ideally situated for the riverboats carrying wool clips to markets. "When the riverboats stopped coming, the building became the local picture theatre until that too became obsolete. "Over the years sections of it became vacant and the verandah collapsed. "Three years ago Wentworth Shire Council and the building's owner began a conservation program with the help of dollar-for-dollar funding from the Heritage Incentives Program. "When we started the conservation work, we detected the original name beneath the paintwork: the Murray Darling Navigation Company," says Garry. "The building was in a key position but in extremely poor condition - most people wouldn't have given two bob for it. But people are now amazed to see the difference. It's a great boost for the town." "Plans have just been finalised this month for the adaptation of the building to a winery, where local grape growers can produce wine under a local label. A wine and food centre is being planned which will include two shops and a restaurant." Mayor Ward described the injection of heritage funding as being instrumental in breathing new life into Wentworth during the past few years. "There is no doubt Wentworth has benefited from the facelift many of its key buildings have undergone. "It has certainly added to the visual appeal of the town. And that has to be good for everyone," he said. Further reading: Wentworth Heritage Study Old Articles: Heritage restoration efforts paying off |
THE ongoing redevelopment of the former Murray Darling Navigation Company warehouse and adjoining buildings has made the news Statewide.
Seven key buildings, including the courthouse, post office, Anglican Church and the gaol have been conserved during the past.