The homestead was involved in a fire in 2004 that destroyed the roof and the first floor of the homestead.
The State Heritage Office found that it was the oldest extant residence in the district and was an extremely rare example of a substantial settler’s house constructed in WA prior to the convict era.
The site is subject to subdivisional approval to create 15 lots, including an extended road network with 12 single lots, two grouped housing sites and future lot 309. Future lot 309 abuts the Canning River, is mostly cleared and accommodates the remains of the Maddington Homestead and other associated outbuildings.
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READ NOWIn a letter the State Heritage Office sent to the City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie, the office found the present proposal would be a positive outcome for the cultural significance of the Maddington Homestead.
Several councillors spoke about how pleasing it was for the homestead to be redeveloped including councillor David Goode who said that he was looking forward to it being restored to its former glory.
The application involves the development of the heritage site with the restoration of the Maddington Homestead building and its subsequent use, the restoration of the former kitchen, long shed and blacksmith’s shed with those buildings to be used as amenities, covered parking and a shelter shed, respectively.
The application also proposed 32 parking bays, the retention of the pepper tree and jacaranda tree within the landscaped areas and provision of pedestrian access and landscaping through the site.
The office is expected to accommodate one full-time staff member and four volunteer staff members from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from 10am-4pm on weekends.
The application proposes the restoration and continued use of a heritage-listed structure to ensure the heritage values on the site are maintained.