Future of Bronte House again in doubt

Waverley councillors again questioned the future of local heritage site Bronte House during last Tuesday’s Council meeting.

This followed the decision of current tenant holders Matt Handbury and Clare Strang not to renew their lease when it expires in January, forcing Waverley Council to consider options to sell the historic 19th century building.

Labor Councillor Ingrid Strewe insisted Bronte House “belongs to the people of Waverley [and] to Sydney”.

“It is a local treasure and like the Opera House you just wouldn’t sell it,” she said.

With expected repair costs to exceed $280,000 and further costs for landscaping, a motion to table a report on what is the most viable option was passed at the meeting.

However, councillors on both sides of the political spectrum unanimously agreed to keep the site classified as community land, effectively ruling out sale for the time being.

Labor Councillor Paula Masselos was wary councillors “weren’t prepared to knock off [the option to sell] for future consideration and while this is ever an option, we need to be vigilant”.

Liberal Councillor Andrew Cusack hit back at the claims, arguing selling Bronte House was out of the question.

“There is no Council intention to sell it,” he said.

“Part of being a landlord, regardless of the property, is that your tenants will leave every now and then and you replace them. It’s pretty simple stuff.”

Local Bronte resident and musician, Aya Larkin said Bronte House was important to the character of the suburb.

“It is a very important historic landmark and piece of architecture, and it is really important we hang on to [it],” he said.

Mr Larkin said any future intention to sell would create a “large outcry and many people in the community would be dismayed”.

Liberal Councillor Angela Burrill insisted Waverley Council are looking at their options to lease. “It is a beautiful home in a fabulous location so one would hope that it should be a desirable property to lease,” she said.

“Another option may be if the National Trust wanted to add it to their collection.”

Waverley Council is currently seeking out prospective tenants.

By Jonathan Mimo