The owners of central Wollongong's oldest surviving cottage have resubmitted plans to transform the building into a small bed and breakfast, as well as a cookery school.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Little Milton at 33 Smith Street dates back to the 1850s and was originally built as a residence, but in the 1880s became both a home and a doctor's surgery after an extension was added at the front of the property.
It has since continued to be used as a medical clinic and a psychiatrists' practice, and in 1999 was added to the NSW State Heritage Register.
Under the plans put to Wollongong City Council, the historical home would once again become a residence for the operators of the bed and breakfast, which would have two bedrooms available for guests.
The cookery school would operate from the existing kitchen and scullery in the old servants' quarters at the rear of the building, and deliver 'food appreciation' as well as cooking classes.
It is also proposed to construct a multi-function room at the rear of the property, separate to the heritage building, and a swim spa and bathing pavilion for the use of the residents and bed and breakfast guests.
Little Milton's owners are Jim and Deborah McCallum, the couple behind Ravensthorpe at Albion Park and the restoration of other historical venues in the Wollongong area, including Ruby's Mount Kembla and Stinson's Cottage.
"The addition of the bed and breakfast and cookery school would help to fund the upkeep of the property, with costs to maintain a heritage property prohibitive to solely residential uses," the development application submitted to the council said.
It said the proposal would also open up the historical property to members of the public, so they too could appreciate it.
The application also outlined plans to demolish a weatherboard laundry that was constructed in the 1940s, which a heritage report said would be acceptable and allow for sections of the wraparound verandah to be rebuilt.
The heritage report said the plans for Little Milton would contribute to the "sustainable conservation" of the historical residence.
An original proposal that was the subject of a pre-lodgement meeting with the council in 2017 included a conservatory and a cabana, both of which have since been removed.
Plans to alter the surgery building, including the addition of dormer windows to the roof, have also been scrapped, after the council voiced concerns about the heritage impacts.
Plans were submitted earlier this year, but lodged again for some amendments.
The development application is on public exhibition until July 23.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Sign up for our newsletters below
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
