Published on Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 10:00:00 AM
On 30 October, Mayor Karen Vernon joined Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Hannah Beazley MLA, and Blackoak Capital to turn the first sod at Edward Millen House and officially mark the start of construction to restore and redevelop the heritage-listed buildings.
The landmark redevelopment will fulfill the community’s vision to deliver a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable hub for the entire community.
“This project is incredibly exciting for the Town of Victoria Park. After seven years of collaboration with residents and our development partner Blackoak, we are finally breaking ground on a project that will transform our Town,” said Mayor Karen Vernon.
“The Edward Millen redevelopment will deliver much-needed amenities for our growing community and a regional destination for visitors, while maintaining a piece of our Town’s history. It's a perfect example of how we can meet the modern needs of our residents while preserving our heritage.”
The revitalised precinct will provide a range of facilities catering for a mix of uses. The Rotunda building will house a café, bakery and museum space, while the adjacent Mildred Creak building will feature a bar, bistro, and microbrewery.
Community-focused highlights include a childcare centre, a petting zoo, produce gardens and market spaces, plus extensive landscaping to create a variety of alfresco areas, and active play spaces.
Comments attributed to Zaneta Mascarenhas, Federal Member for Swan:
“As an East Vic Park local and mum of two young kids, preserving places like the Edward Millen buildings means our heritage will be around for them and other WA families."
"The Australian Government's $4 million for the restoration shows a real commitment to keeping Australia’s history alive."
“The project is a great example of how public and private partnerships can create vibrant spaces that benefit our community.”
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister and Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley:
“The Edward Millen Precinct has been a part of the fabric of Victoria Park for more than a century, and I am excited to mark the beginning of a new legacy for this historic site.”
“The State heritage-listed building will be restored and celebrated as part of this major redevelopment, which will create a thriving community hub for locals and visitors alike.”
Quotes attributable to Tim Mack, Managing Partner of Blackoak Capital Ventures
“Blackoak Capital Venture’s expertise in heritage restoration allows us to breathe new life back into historically significant buildings. We’re proud to be a champion of Western Australia’s built history.”
“Our goal is to create spaces that foster connection, and with the transformation of Edward Millen into a vibrant community hub offering childcare, cafés and outdoor spaces, we’re bringing that vision to life.”
The Edward Millen Redevelopment Project is supported by $4 million in Australian Government funding, which will go towards the heritage restoration of Edward Millen House.
Construction is on track to finish late next year, and the redevelopment will be delivered alongside the Town’s upgrades to the adjacent Edward Millen parklands.
For more information visit vicpark.info/edward-millen
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