The historic Mittagong Maltings site has been nominated for NSW State Heritage significance.
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Now skeletons of grand but dilapidated heritage buildings, the Maltings is the only remaining example of a traditional maltings manufacturing facility in Australia.
The site, where Tooth & Co once brewed malt in Mittagong, currently has a local heritage listing, under which it has been gradually deteriorating for several decades.
Despite the degradation of the buildings, which were most recently damaged in a blaze in November 2016, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage said the site was the only significant intact reminder of the industrial importance of the Mittagong district in the 19th century.
“It is a large, spectacular and unique example of late 1900's industrial architecture, which has considerable historic and cultural value,” the office’s website states.
“The site stands as a reminder of The Maltings' early and enduring importance to the commercial and social life of the town of Mittagong.”
Built between 1898 and 1916, the property is currently owned by developer Barry Anstee, who bought the 6.5 hectare site for $590,000 in 2009.
But the nomination for a state heritage listing was instigated by Highlands local Phillip Brammer, who hopes the upgraded listing will mean the Maltings is restored to its former glory.
“I had noticed that the Maltings had been falling apart since the early 80s and I wanted to do something to save it,” he said.
“I thought, ‘I can’t buy it, I don’t have the money so why don’t I try to get it under the banner of the state government and see if something can be done that way?’”
Mr Brammer said the nomination took about six months to put together, and involved some “hefty” form filling, but he hoped it would prompt the restoration of the site for community use.
“Heritage listing doesn't freeze a place in the past,” he said.
“There are many NSW state-listed heritage items all over the country that have been adapted into wonderful modern useful places with state government support.
“I don’t want to steer it in any particular direction, but I would like to see it turned into something for public use.”
The Heritage Council of NSW is seeking public feedback on the nomination until February 6.
You can send a letter of feedback to the Heritage Council of NSW via email or post.