Gleniffer Brae Manor House and Sorenson Gardens are located in Keiraville next to the Wollongong Botanic Garden. Built in 1938, it was the family home of Arthur Sidney Hoskins who established the steel making industry in Wollongong.
The Manor House and gardens were acquired by Council in 1978.
In 2009, Council undertook a review of Gleniffer Brae and decided that it was not financially sustainable to continue to offer Gleniffer Brae as a venue for hire for weddings and functions.
In May 2010 Council called for Expressions of Interest for the purchase and / or lease of Gleniffer Brae while aiming to:
- Minimise ongoing maintenance costs
- Maintain the heritage items and values of the site
- Guarantee tenancy of Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
- Retain continued public access to the Manor House and grounds
- Maintain ongoing integration with the Botanic Garden.
In March this year, Council approved a report starting a process that may eventually see Gleniffer Brae Manor House and Sorenson Gardens leased to the University of Wollongong and the sale of a smaller portion of the site that used to house SCEGGS School to the University of Wollongong.
The proposal is subject to a number of consultations with the community and approvals including the reclassification of rezoning of part of the land.
Please click on the link below to view Frequently Asked Questions about the proposal.
Gleniffer Brae - Frequently Asked Questions
Illawarra Mercury - Letter to the Editor from Administrator Robert McGregor AM
Gleniffer Brae - Upcoming Events
An Afternoon at Gleniffer Brae
On Sunday, 1 May from 1 - 4pm the National Trust Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch, with the support of Wollongong City Council, will host an afternoon at Gleniffer Brae. The event will feature tasty delights, musical entertainment and speakers on the history, architecture, landscaping and future of this important heritage property. Cost is $35 per head.
For tickets and enquiries call the National Trust on 4227 4614.
Gleniffer Brae Information Session
At its meeting on 29 March 2011 Council resolved to enter into negotiations with the University of Wollongong over the possible future sale/lease of the Gleniffer Brae site. The process of progressing these negotiations will provide a number of opportunities for community input. To commence this process, Council will host a free information kiosk at Gleniffer Brae on Saturday, 7 May from 1 - 2pm.
Community members will be able to visit the house, tour the garden, view the University's proposal and discuss the project with Council Staff.