City seeks better solution over future of historic Alison Homestead rebuild

Reposted article by Errol Smith, Central Coast Express, 20 February 2013

WYONG Council has deferred a decision on the options for the historic Alison Homestead which was destroyed by fire in 2011.

Phil Morley, president of Wyong District Museum and Historical Society, with the Coo-ee violin saved from the deliberately-lit fire that came close to completely destroying Alison Homestead in 2011. Picture: Troy Snook Source: NewsLocal

The remains of the building, in Cape Rd at Alison, west of Wyong, remain off limits to the public while stakeholders consider its future.

The destruction of the homestead was considered a tragedy for Wyong Shire not only because of the age of the building but because of the destruction of irreplaceable documents and items of historic interest.

Fortunately the building was insured and about $500,000 will be available for any rebuild.

Council was presented, at its last meeting, with four possible options with a recommendation to build a new and different building on or close to the location of the original homestead.

Council planners said this option might incorporate remnants of the original design or entirely demolish the ruins.

But councillors felt further discussions with key stakeholders were needed, in order to come up with a better solution.

They also want to discuss use of alternative sites as a further option.

Sources: www.dailytelegraph.com.au;