Marrickville to debate fate of heritage houses

By Georgia Fullerton

Marrickville Council may reassess the heritage value of three terraces situated on the site of the old Marrickville Hospital.The development application, put forward in September of last year, is part of a plan to redevelop the rear half of a site on Livingstone Road.

Marrickville Hospital closed in 1991 and was purchased by council in 1993. The rear end of the site is now being developed into a library, with three heritage terraces sitting between the two quarters.

Once the site has been awarded under a tender process, it will be decided whether to keep the three terraces or demolish them for more space.

Independent councillor Victor Macri said he objects to the way the project has been brought forward.

“It’s fundamentally flawed and I can’t support the knocking down of these buildings. If there was a better option and something that would enhance the plan, I would support it, but there’s nothing else in front of it at the moment,” he said.

Clr Macri is also concerned about the growing costs associated with the development.

“The whole process is based on a costing of the site which is four years old now, and was going to cost $31 million to develop,” he said.

“That rate has only increased since then. It’s going to cost much more now. You’re talking about $42 million and that’s provided you can bring it in on budget.”

Greens councillor Max Phillips said voting to progress the new library project going to tender should not be interpreted as forming a position on the terraces.

“The Greens have previously supported heritage protection for the terraces and will take very seriously any proposal to change that protection when it comes to the elected council,” he said.

The tender will be brought to council next month.