1. What do you think are the three most important heritage places in Moreland? Why?
Sydney Rd. shopping strip because it is so evocative of the history of this diverse community surrounding it.
Hoffman Brickworks because it is an extraordinary set of buildings central to the working class origins of Brunswick.
Every residential address because each part of this community can be destroyed in one day and replaced badly.
2. The Hoffman Brickworks in Dawson Street Brunswick are classified by the National Trust as of national heritage significance, and are also recognised on the Victorian Government's Heritage Register and the Commonwealth Government's National Estate Register. The historic core of the site - the kilns, brick pressing shed and gatehouse - is the last area of the brickworks to be redeveloped.
What would you like to see happen to the historic core?
It would make an excellent centre for the local artist/artisan industry. A view I first put some 6 years ago when I joined the STB.
The Gatehouse must be preserved in its present form because it is central to the last surviving aspect of the Hoffy's site.
3. In 1997, Moreland City Council committed $400,000 to assist the developer conserve Kiln 2.
What do you think would be a reasonable return to the community for this investment?
Ongoing public control of the historic core.
4. What is your opinion about the redevelopment of the brickworks site to date?
It is a profit motivated disaster assisted by the Moreland Council and many of its Councillors, in spite of the efforts of many members of the STB group.
5. If elected to Moreland City Council, how will you work to get the best outcomes for the community on the brickworks site?
Urge beareaucrats and councillors to offer to look after the historic core, on behalf of the owner.
6. The community, through Save the Brickworks, the National Trust and Brunswick Community History Group continue to have strong concerns about the developer's proposals for the historic core, especially in terms of heritage integrity, community use and access.
If elected to Moreland City Council, would you be willing to seek to renegotiate agreements on the historic core with the developers to address these community concerns?
Yes, starting with calling the developer's bluff/threat regarding redevelopment of the Kilns as office space (its not economically viable as well as being tacky & tasteless)
Other comments:
I am completely in disagreement with those members of STB who have agreed to the excessive extra developments of the site and are willing to see the last Hoffman lanscape "modernized"
The issues are more important than any personal preferences.
Please distribute the attached story.
Made in Brunswick - Ken Taylor
Community Independent for South Ward