A sign recently erected on the Burslem Drive side of Maddington Homestead indicates moves are afoot for the redevelopment of the dilapidated, heritage listed site.
However, owners and developers Golden Group are playing their cards close to their chest, with precious little detail revealed, outside of an artist’s impression of the redevelopment.
The sign, erected earlier this week, bills the redevelopment as the Maddington Homestead Heritage Conservation and Redevelopment project.
Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said she was unaware of any movement forward from Golden Group until she drove past the site on Tuesday.
Despite her initial surprise, she believes it is finally an indication the historic site is getting the respect it deserves from Golden Group after their 20-year ownership saw the building fall into a state of utter disrepair.
“I just saw it this morning, I had to do a U-turn to come and check it out,” she said.
“I’m surprised, and I’m pleased.
“It appears that finally something is going to happen with this homestead, this heritage site.
“This is the first time Golden Group have put a sign up to suggest what it might look like, so we’re hopeful this means they’re going to be progressing in the near future.
“I guess we have a level of hesitancy because they have promised to do things before but we are hopeful this means that some action will be taken as there is now a sign showing the community what they plan to do with the site.”
Ms Lynes said the artists’ depiction, by TRCB Architects, was close to how the homestead once looked.
“I know council received some drawings that didn’t specifically look like that but hopefully it comes in somewhere in between.”
Deputy mayor Adam Hort said it the sign was literally a positive sign for the community.
“It’s nice to see Golden Group declaring to the community what their intentions are,” he said.
“I was open minded to what it was going to look like, what we want is a hub and a bit of a precinct for the community to come and enjoy a heritage listed site.
“From what I see it looks nice.”
Golden Group project manager Abdul Mousli, however, wouldn’t be drawn on the finer details of the development.
“Essentially we are restoring the homestead, I can’t really give too many details, a lot of it is confidential,” he said.
“What I can say to you is that we’re undertaking a process where we restore the homestead and the surrounding buildings.”
Mr Mousli would not confirm if this sudden activity was related to the repair notice issued by the Heritage Council of WA in May 2021, ordering Golden Group’ to commence a list of required repairs within six months, with a further two years to complete the repairs.
“Again, I can’t go into any fine details. I can’t comment on that. I don’t have the authority to comment on anything other than just broadly speaking, we’re moving ahead with restoration works for the heritage homestead.
“We’re looking at getting started next year, we’re waiting on the builders to firm up their program for us.
“We’ve erected temporary fencing, the sign went up a couple of days ago.
“We’re at the mercy of the builders…my guess would be either the first or second quarter of next year.
“We are starting and we’re really excited about getting it moving and restoring its former glory.”
