St Clair collection shifts ahead of conservation work

Over the past few weeks Historical Society members have been packing up hundreds of boxes, framed pictures, 40 to 50 bound newspapers and numerous other archival material. Along the way, they’re preparing an inventory of the vast collection

They’re not moving out for good, just temporarily while much-awaited conservation work is completed at the 1840s Sloane Street villa. A development application for the $490,000 work is awaiting Office of Environment and Heritage approval.

“All this (packing up) has been achieved by a team of 18 members since we received the Mayor’s letter asking us to vacate by mid-December,” member Bob Galland told the most recent council meeting.

The Historical Society subsequently wrote to the council asking for in-kind support to help the relocation, including storage and office space and waste fees. They have since revised the original request.

Mr Galland told councillors that the Society no longer needed to store items in the council’s Clinton Street building basement or payment of waste fees. He asked that this in-kind assistance be transferred to financially help the removalist costs.

The Society will instead utilise part of the council’s Bourke Street depot for storage and office space.

At last Tuesday’s meeting councillors became immersed in debate on the level of in-kind contribution and whether the council should pay the relocation costs. A report noted that since St Clair was re-opened in April, 2015, no formal lease agreement was in place with the Historical Society.

“As a result, GDHS has not been invoiced  for any utilities (gas, electricity, water), amounting to over $5000 for this period,” the report stated.

The move is expected to cost up to $6000, given the need for specialist removalists.

In response to a question, general manager Warwick Bennett said the council did not have the resources to undertake the move itself but could consider a contribution.

Several councillors, including Peter Walker and Andrew Banfield argued the case for the council to fund the relocation.

“This is (being done) for the community,” Cr Walker said.

“It’s ours...We shouldn’t be arguing over a few thousand dollars.”

Cr Banfield agreed, saying it was important to look after the material.

After lengthy debate, councillors decided to allow the Society to use the office and store at Bourke Street for $500 quarterly rent, including electricity and use of amenities. There will be no extension on the one-year agreement because the depot will be marketed for sale in 2018.

They also agreed not to extend further funding to the Society in 2018 given the level of subsidised rent.

Finally, the council will fund the relocation costs to Bourke Street from its financial assistance grants. The Society will seek two quotes from removalists beforehand.

Mr Bennett said the council was working very hard to shift the Historical Society back into St Clair within the year, thereby avoiding a second move. 

Mayor Bob Kirk told the meeting that St Clair had come a long way since 2014 when it was closed due to safety concerns.

“Now the conservation work is about to get underway,” he said.

“The work by members to relocate the material is a considerable saving. On the flip-side, the relocation cost is a relatively significant price to pay.”