Kew Court House receives statewide award for revitalisation

Kew Court House and former Police Station has been awarded the Planning Minister’s Heritage Award for 2012.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the community driven project had resulted in an outstanding arts and culture centre which would continue to serve the area for decades to come and was a worthy recipient of the award.

The award was presented to the City of Boroondara and Kew Historical Society representing the local community, for their work to restore and reinvigorate the Kew Court House and Police Station as an arts and culture centre by Minister for Corrections and member for Kew Andrew McIntosh on behalf of the Planning Minister on 22 February.

The 1888 building had been vacant for many years when the local community began a campaign for it to be retained. It was purchased by the City of Boroondara and fund raising began in earnest. More than $500,000 was raised in addition to grants from the Commonwealth, state and local government to enable the restoration of the building.

Mr McIntosh said the project involved extensive works which began with a Heritage Victoria grant to restore the slate roof. The building now includes a theatre, exhibition and meeting rooms, and facilities for local arts and historical groups. Mr McIntosh said it was vital for heritage buildings to be used to ensure they had a sustainable future.

“We appreciate their past and the important roles they have played in our history, but they cannot be wrapped in cotton wool. If their original use is no longer viable, it is important to find a new purpose for them,” Mr McIntosh said. Mr McIntosh said the combination of tenants using the refurbished building provided a new and exciting future for the landmark building.

Pictured from left: Dione McIntyre, past president Kew Historical Society, Cr Brad Miles, City of Boroondara, David Benwell, President Kew Historical Society and Member for Kew Andrew McIntosh.