OLD COTTAGE, NEW JOURNEY
SAVED HOME OFF TO STORAGE
A 155-YEAR-OLD Marshall bluestone cottage saved from a wrecking ball has almost entirely disappeared as specialist contractors dismantle it and place it into storage for future relocation.
McAteer Cottage, at the corner of Tannery and Barwon Heads roads, had initially been set to be bulldozed to make way for the Barwon Heads Rd duplication.
But a petition with more than 800 signatures saw Major Roads Projects Victoria agree to move the heritage cottage instead.
Site preparations for the road duplication are due to be completed this month.
Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group spokeswoman Virginia Johnson said the first step to saving the cottage had now been achieved, but the next step would only be completed once the structure had been rebuilt.
Meetings have taken place between MRPV, the City of Greater Geelong and the community group with discussions indicating the building is on track to be completely dismantled by the end of the month.
“They have assured us that as the cottage is dismantled it will be securely packed and stored,” Ms Johnson said when the cottage’s move was announced.
“We feel confident that when it comes time to relocate the cottage to its new site that it will be just a matter of the expert tradespeople rebuilding the cottage.”
The building has been scanned and extensively photographed inside and out, with items numbered and put into sections on pallets and purpose-built boxes.
Once dismantled, the sealed materials are transported to a secure storage site ahead of being rebuilt.
The community group has said its preferred new location for the cottage is J.F. Field Park, which is opposite the present site.
“We are also hoping and would encourage council to use the same contractor engaged to dismantle the building to re-erect it as they have acted with much sensitivity and professionalism,” the group said.
The local community now awaits a council decision on where and when the bluestone cottage will rise again.
Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy has previously said council officers would investigate sustainable options for the relocated structure and prepare a report for the council later this year.