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now and then Masterplan Vision enhances heritage values A Master Plan for the Old Farm Sarah Murphy | Director, Conservation and Stewardship Old Farm, Strawberry Hill has all the elements needed to provide an outstanding tourist and community facility based on a place of national significance. In the National Trust’s golden jubilee year an indicative site masterplan was developed to express the vision for future development of the place. In 2011, a grant from the Commonwealth Government boosted the National Trust’s financial ability to commission a detailed, costed masterplan for this very important heritage place. T here is no doubt the place is of exceptional heritage significance. It was the first farm in Western Australia commencing in 1827 within a few months of establishment of the Military settlement of King George Sound. Stock was kept there and vegetables grown for the survival of soldiers and later the early settlers. A wattle and daub, thatched roof cottage was constructed in 1831 and was destroyed by fire in 1870. The two storey granite extension was built in 1836 and is what visitors see today. At one time the farm extended over 52 hectares. Today only approximately 1.7 hectares remain containing the main house building (1836), a cottage built pre 1889 and extensive grounds with some early plantings. In 1964 Old Farm, Strawberry Hill became the first property acquired by the National Trust of Australia in Western Australia. Above: Members of the consultancy team discuss proposals for the master plan at a site meeting with National Trust staff. L-R National Trust Landscape Architect Phil Palmer, National Trust Interpretation Manager Anne Brake, Anthony Coupe, National Trust Director Conservation and Stewardship Sarah Murphy and Paul Kloeden. E Paech/Mulloway Studio top: An overview from the Old Farm Strawberry Hill Master Plan. Trust News Australia november 2012 24
now and then Left: Historical image courtesy Bird Family Collection, NTWA The main house as viewed from the south-east during the Bird family’s period of ownership and today. Below: The shoulder of this silver teapot is engraved with the words: “LUNIVERSITA DELLE QUATTRO CITTA DI MALTA AL MERITO DEL S. TEN. RICCAR. SPENSER D”, which roughly translates as having been given to (Sir) Richard Spencer by the University of the Four Cities of Malta. It is on display at Old Farm, Strawberry Hill. S Murphy/National Trust bottom: Contemporary image of Old Farm Strawberry Hill. S Murphy/NTWA The recently completed masterplan articulates a vision in which Old Farm becomes a key destination in Western Australia for both locals and visitors providing a platform for one of the most significant heritage experiences in Australia. Once the plan is implemented it is anticipated there will be an increase in visitors, greater utilisation by the local community and enhanced financial sustainability. The intent of the masterplan was to ensure all future works and activities at Old Farm contribute to and enhance the appreciation and understanding of its State and National heritage values. Importantly, it provides a means by which conservation, interpretation and enhanced access can be guaranteed through achievable and sustainable outcomes. Currently costed at $5 million, the project incorporates conservation works to the heritage buildings and grounds worth an estimated $3 million and the construction of an entry building in which to house a cafe, retail space, volunteer facilities, school and group visitor spaces, theatrette and areas for interpretation. In many ways the landscape strategies provide the most significant shift from the current presentation of the place. With reference to its significance as a farm, and with a desire to provide active public programs, the main strategies include a focus on productive gardening. Several areas will be planted with heritage variety plants taking the form of crops and orchards. The main drive is particularly evocative of the Bird period and its distinct character will be restored and enhanced through subtle interpretive elements and plantings. The main house is a focal point of the plan. It was built under the instruction of Sir Richard Spencer and is a very evocative tool in telling the stories of the occupants of Old Farm, Strawberry Hill. The house will continue to be central for interpretation within the site. It is intended that in the future visitors will enter the rooms and engage with interactive and immerse displays, while provenanced artifacts will be exhibited in a more interpretive context. The master plan will form the basis of future funding applications from Federal and State bodies supplemented by self generated funds from the National Trust over the next two years. It is highly desirable that the project is carried out within a defined timeframe so as to maintain momentum, minimise disruption to the site and to maximise opportunities for income generation. Trust News Australia november 2012 25
Page 1 and 2: Volume 5 NO 11 november 2012 trust
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NATIONAL TRUST > - NSW

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