Merrill Farmer and Denise Butcher from Howlong Historical Society at the old Mill Hotel, renamed ‘Piercefield’ after it was purchased by Mr Robert Walter in 1920.
A proposed senior’s lifestyle village in Howlong could prove to be a major boost for the town, but it comes at a cost.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Developers Longford Land Holdings Pty Ltd have submitted a development application to Federation Council for Howlong Lifestyle Village.
If approved, the $9 million development would comprise 173 independent living units for seniors, including 17 disabled compliant dwellings.
It is proposed to be built in six stages and includes a community centre, gymnasium, swimming pool and 37 car parks.
An artist’s impression of the independent living unit at the proposed senior’s lifestyle village for Howlong.
The plans for the village are on the site of the historic Mill Hotel, which is cited for demolition.
The 156-year-old hotel lies just east of the township on the Riverina Hwy.
Marion Billing, secretary of the Howlong Historical Society, says they aren’t against the development, in principle, but oppose the destruction of the building.
And the Historical Society would like a guarantee from the developers and the council that water, sewerage and roads were adequately addressed.
“We object to the proposed demolition of The Mill Hotel (Piercefield Farmhouse) in this development,” Marion said.
“This building was built by George Fuller in 1870 and is of great heritage importance to that earlier time.
“It needs to be preserved by the developers and incorporated into their development, not demolished.”
Mr William Easterby had the Mill Hotel built opposite the flour mill in 1870 because of increased agricultural trade at Howlong.
The Mill Hotel was originally built for William Easterby, a prominent businessman and one of the founders of the Howlong Mechanics Institute.
It was purchased by Robert Walter in 1920 after it was delicensed and the name changed to ‘Piercefield’ after the Walter’s family estate in England.
Denise Butcher from Howlong Historical Society said that while she supports the idea of a senior’s lifestyle village in Howlong, the chosen location doesn’t make sense to her.
“It fronts on to a major highway,” Denise said.
“There’s no infrastructure here for older people to get into town.
“Even if they just want to go to the golf club they have to try to cross the highway.”
The Mill has a rich history, including its role in the local community and its connection to the gold rush era.
It has been a significant part of Howlong's story, serving as a venue for various events and gatherings.
A booklet called the 'Howlong Historical Trail Map' has The Mill and many other historical buildings and places listed as heritage places of interest for visitors and residents to check out.
However, not all are on the national heritage register; the Mill Hotel is not heritage listed.
“We hope Federation Council would consider reviewing the historic buildings in this area,” Marion said.
“Howlong's heritage buildings and places listed in this booklet should preserved.
“Some date back to Howlong’s establishment in the 1850's.”
The North of the Murray ‘Howlong History Trail’ information map is available for free at the Corowa Visitor Information Centre and the Howlong Library and Resource Centre.
The development application with Federation Council is open for public submission until March 11.
24°C