OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2008

Place: Waveney,  213 Lady Gowrie Drive, Largs Bay
Threat: Demolition and complete loss of heritage values

Photo - National Trust of Australia (SA) 

Significance:

This 1899 bungalow occupies a prominent corner site on the seafront at Largs Bay. The house is on a generous scale, has ornate decorative plaster work and marble chimneypieces. It is set in a large garden. It was lived in by three generations of the Fisher family, including William Fisher manager of the SA Stevedoring Company and Commodore of the Royal SA Yacht Squadron. 

Waveney is significant in its own right as well as making an important contribution to the streetscape of Lady Gowrie Drive, one of Adelaide’s finest seafront promenades.  Waveney is listed as a contributory item in a conservation zone in the city of Port Adelaide Enfield’s Development Plan.

Threat:

In September 2006 a development application was approved to demolish Waveney in order to erect seven two-storey townhouses, despite the house being listed as a contributory item within an historic conservation zone.

Action Required:

Effective planning protection is needed to preserve the character of the Largs Bay waterfront. The fact that one single storey house, identified as a  contributory item within an historic conservation zone, could be approved for demolition to be replaced by seven two storied townhouses, demonstrates  that the South Australian heritage protection system is inadequate and is in urgent need of review.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council face the dilemma that a contributory item within an historic conservation zone has been approved for demolition leading to a loss of confidence in the planning process by local residents. The council should act to rectify this by scoping alternative options which involve retaining the house while developing the rear allotment of the property.

Lady Gowrie Drive, Largs Bay - A street at risk           Photos - National Trust of Australia (SA)