OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2008

Place: Stepney Cottages, 64 & 66 Nelson Street and Cornish Street, Stepney

Threat: Unwarranted demolition by local government

 

UPDATE 7 JULY 2008:  64 and 66 Nelson Street saved by the action of Councillors of the City of Norwood,Payneham and St Peters 

Photos - National Trust of Australia (SA)

Congratulations are extended to the Councillors of the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters who voted unanimously on 7 July 2008 to rescind the demolition of 64 and 66 Nelson Street.

Council Notice of Motion Rescinding Demolition

Cottages, 64 and 66 Nelson Street   

Significance:

Numbers 64 and 66 Nelson Street were erected by Hakan Linde as part of his Phoenix Distillery (the distillery building  survives at 44 Nelson Street) as do a matching cottage at 68 Nelson Street and the more substantial houses he built at 46 and 48. Linde, a German speaking Dane, was a leader within the strong German community which was a distinctive feature of Stepney from the mid 19^th century. Number 64 Nelson Street also has associations with recent feminist history. In 1977 the Women’s Community Centre was established there. It continues to operate from the site. The cottage in Cornish Street is a well built stone structure.

Threat:

The three cottages under threat are owned by the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters. On 5^th May, 2008 the Council resolved to demolish the houses as part of a program of works at the neighbouring reserve. The decision defies reason – it makes no sense in terms of financial management (the three cottages are worth in excess of $1,000,000), town planning, sustainability or heritage conservation. The demolition order for No 64 and 66 Nelson Street was rescinded by Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s Council on 7 July but the Cornish Street Cottage remains under threat.

Action Required:

For Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s Council to review its decision. A rescind motion to stop the demolition of 64 and 66 Nelson Street has been approved by Council. This is a positive development for which Councillors must be given credit. It is hoped that a majority of Councillors will recognise the value of keeping the cottages and restoring their curtilage thereby recapturing some of the traditional character of Nelson Street which has been degraded by poor quality light industrial development.