Wollongong City Council today confirmed that the University of Wollongong is the preferred bidder for the future use of Gleniffer Brae.
The University of Wollongong responded to an expression of interest called by Council in May this year to lease or sell the Manor House. The process was initiated by Council to identify a viable option for the possible future use of Gleniffer Brae after a 2009 review revealed that wedding and function hire run by Council was not viable.
General Manager, David Farmer, said “Gleniffer Brae is a significant asset that in recent years has been underutilised. Council is exploring options which will provide at least the same services and access to the Manor House and grounds for the community, while at the same time saving Council money. These funds can be then directed to repairing and upgrading other more heavily used facilities.”
“We are still negotiating on the details of the University’s proposal for Gleniffer Brae, however given the public interest in the future of the historic manor, it is timely to confirm that we are working together to determine how the proposal meets Council’s objectives.
“Council’s Expression of Interest had very strict objectives to make sure the significant heritage, social and cultural values of Gleniffer Brae are maintained as part of any considerations for future use,” Mr Farmer said.
"We want to guarantee continued tenancy of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, who currently lease part of Gleniffer Brae from Council. We also want to keep the Manor House in public ownership and maintain community access to the House and grounds.”
"Heritage will need to be a key feature in the future of the site, as the Gleniffer Brae Manor House and grounds both have local, state and national heritage listings," he added.
The University of Wollongong have proposed to develop the existing School site for its Creative Arts Faculty as well as providing a permanent purpose built home for the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. The proposal also maintains the heritage value of the Manor House and its surroundings. The Manor House will operate in a similar form to its recent use as an events and function centre.
“Because of the strict criteria for future use of the site, a panel of Council staff and a representative from Neighborhood Forum 5 have been carefully assessing the two Expressions of Interest we received,” Mr Farmer added.
“Council is still negotiating with the University of Wollongong to finalise details including whether their proposal will be to lease or purchase Gleniffer Brae. If satisfactory terms can be negotiated, the proposal will need to be formally considered at a meeting of Council. We can confirm that any proposals to sell or lease Gleniffer Brae would need to be subject to formal community consultation to reclassify the land.”
Gleniffer Brae was bought by Council in 1978 from Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School. The majority of the site is leased by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and the Manor House has been hired out for weddings, conferences and events.