$4.5m face-lift for HMAS creswell heritage homes
16 May 2007
Mr Peter Lindsay MP, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, today officially commemorated the completion of restoration work on 12 heritage homes at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, NSW.
The homes, which are typical bungalow-style houses of the Federation period and designed by John Smith Murdoch, have been given a $4.5 million face-lift. The program was managed by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) as part of its responsibility for the on-going management of heritage properties for the Department of Defence.
In welcoming an Australian Defence Force family to the final residences to be completed under the program, Mr Lindsay said the heritage homes had a special place in Australian naval history.
"The Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS Creswell is historically significant for its association with the development of the Australian Navy. The college area is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is a good example of early Australian architecture of the Federation period," he said.
Mr Lindsay said that all work on the 12 homes complied with strict Conservation Management Plans.
"Where possible original fabric is retained and restored, and much effort has been put into ensuring the houses will be able to endure the local salty weather conditions for many years to come," he said.
DHA's Managing Director, Michael Del Gigante, said that work on the 12 residences at HMAS Creswell commenced in March 2006, with today's commemoration marking the culmination of many months of work.
"Defence Housing Australia is proud today to be welcoming a Defence family to the last of the refurbished residences to be completed under this program. Much work has been undertaken to bring the homes up to the community standard, but also to manage and maintain them with regard to their very important heritage value."
Work on the 12 homes included the enhancement and restoration of the characteristic values of the houses, such as roof repairs, external lining, painting and the replacement of rotten timber. The kitchens and bathrooms were completely refurbished, and additional ensuites were built.
