OSBORNE HOUSE is a blue-stone heritage property with stables, situated on the shores of Corio Bay on approximately 32 acres of land.

Council for the City of Greater Geelong has signed a Heads of Agreement Document with a private development company (Desa Constructions Pty.Ltd) which will allow the site to be cut into 34 town house allotments for private sub-division.

The heritage Stables complex will be converted to studio apartments.

The east wing and the Branscomb room will be demolished to allow for car parking space.

THE ISSUE:

Osborne House was a gift to the people of Geelong from the Shire of Corio upon amalgamation of municipal councils.

It is the position of the Osborne Park Association that this historically significant property should remain in tact, in community control.

We believe that the Council does not have the right to either sub-divide or sell this community owned asset either in part or as a whole.

It is also our contention that, although expressions of interest have been called, insufficient community consultation has been sought or obtained by Council, to obtain a "best use" plan for the site and buildings which make up Osborne House.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERNS: begin with an understanding of the history of the buildings and the site..

Osborne House is a significant heritage site:

The history of Osborne House has both regional and national significance:

Osborne House was built in 1858 as a pastoralists mansion.

In 1900 the Victorian Government bought Osborne House for use as the Premiers country residence. Sir Thomas Bent, Premier of the day, was an occasional occupant.

Osborne House was among the endowments to the Geelong Harbour Trust on its formation in 1905.

In 1913 Osborne House, after extensive capital works, it became the Australian Naval Training College before they transferred to Jervis Bay.

During WW1, Osborne House was used as a military hospital.

During the 1920s it was a submarine base.

In 1941 the Department for the Army again took over Osborne House for use as a WW2 training base.

Following the war, Osborne House became the permanent home for the offices of the Shire of Corio and remained so for the next 50 years.

Osborne House has been vacant for more than four years. Despite its conversion to office space, the building has been carefully managed to preserve its original style and is in excellent structural condition.

OUR POSITION:

Osborne House belongs to the people of Geelong and should remain in public ownership.

Private development provides only a short term solution to the Council’s cash flow problem.

No feasibility study has been conducted by Council to determine a Best Use for the site

Osborne House has a significant place in Australias cultural heritage. The creation of a regional living history museum, would ensure that the history of the premises as well as that of Geelong, is preserved.

Geelong does not have a cultural museum.

Cutting up the site for town house development will forever preclude any possibility of developing a publicly owned facility capable of attracting a critical mass which would ensure it is viable and sustainable.

The Broader Community will benefit from the project because Osborne House will be retained as a community asset which will provide employment, education and training while creating an entertainment facility.