ALBANY’S Patrick Taylor Cottage is on the way to receiving the recognition it deserves as Western Australia’s oldest dwelling.
Australian Government funding of $121,000 has been provided to improve visitor access at the cottage by landscaping adjoining land in Duke Street.
The funding ends six years of planning by the Albany Historical Society (AHS) to give the cottage more prominence in both the city and state.
“Historically, there is nothing in Albany as significant as Patrick Taylor Cottage,” AHS CEO Andrew Eyden said.
“This work will consolidate the cottage in a historical precinct in its own right.”
Mr Eyden said the community would be able to enjoy a new experience in six weeks, after landscaping was finished.
“It’s central and accessible to everybody,” he said.
“We are hoping more Albany people will discover us now.”
Work experience participants through the Government’s Jobs Fund initiative by Community First, guided by Rochelle Ryan from Creative Landscapes, began work this week on the revamp.
The vacant block will be converted to a native garden, with plants endemic to Albany including Noongar bush tucker plants.
A new entrance, post and rail fencing, and the preservation of the oak tree which is on the state’s Heritage Register, will be part of the development.
The cottage’s English country garden will also be enhanced.
A horse-drawn cart owned by the Hassell family and used for carting sandalwood in the 1850s will become a centrepiece of the area.
The funding was announced this week by the Federal Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, and Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle.
Mr Garrett said the “significant investment” would enhance the visitor experience at the cottage.
“Patrick Taylor Cottage, along with the Albany Historical Society’s other two venues, Albany Convict Gaol and the Brig Amity, are at the centre of the City of Albany’s heritage tourism attractions,” Mr Garrett said.
“Built around 1832, the cottage is one of the few remaining examples of the architecture of the military regime, built two years prior to the establishment of the Swan River colony.
“This project will protect and enhance the heritage values of the cottage, and have important flow-on effect for the local economy through the creation of long-term employment opportunities in small businesses.”
The Historical Society was given two sites in front of the cottage, formerly used by WA Police, by the State Government in 2006.
The former sergeant’s house is now the AHS base and the vacant land once housed the horse stables for the cottage.
Mr Eyden said combining the three titles into one had secured the future of the cottage.
“I’m pleased to finally get rid of the eyesore next door,” he said of the vacant block.
“Without this funding we were looking at 10 years of not being able to achieve what we wanted.
“It’s phenomenal to have the entire budget handed to you like this.”
The AHS is also working on the refurbishment of the co-op building on the corner of Frederick Street and Spencer Street and plans to replace the iron roof on the cottage with the original-style shingles.