Potential Demolition Glenbank homestead

Potential Demolition of historic Glenbank homestead

On going planning issue: Plans are still being discussed by the Shire, developers and Andrew Kerr Frail & Aged Care Complex, Cnr. Tanti Ave and Barkly Street Mornington. The Plans, originally rejected by the Shire in 2011, include demolition of the existing hostel and the historical Glenbank building, redevelopment of the site to provide independent living units, modernization of the aged care beds, day respite centre and a 31 space basement car park.

MEA inspected the old House and development plans in January 2012, and met some members of the management committee of Andrew Kerr. Several members have expressed their concern that a redesign by a sympathetic architect would have allowed the Glenbank home, a unique one in Mornington, to be retained, or at least, its façade. It could be converted into separate living units, using existing lifts, or converted into a medical centre. Even if it was surrounded by new living units, it could still be retained as a heritage place.

It was built in the Italianate style in 1875 for the Presbyterian minister, James A Caldwell, and eventually, in 1980 was bought by the Mornington Bush Nursing Hospital (now The Bays) and converted into an aged care home. It is administered by a volunteer committee, and is listed as a Heritage Place by the Shire. However, it is not on the Victorian register of Historical Places. It sits in a dominant position in the middle of the site and the committee told us that there could be no further upgrade of Andrew Kerr on this site unless the house was pulled down.

Apparently there have been further ideas developed for the site, but we have currently heard nothing definite.