Locals rally to save historic building in new Fullarton and Cross Rd upgrade

Urrbrae’s historic Waite Lodge cannot be sacrificed to upgrade Fullarton and Cross roads, say protesters appalled by the government’s plan.

Geoff Hastwell performs a protest song he composed for the occasion. Picture: Dean Martin

Angry locals gathered on Sunday morning to protest the demolition of state heritage listed building Waite Lodge – which is slated for removal in the State Government’s plan to widen Cross Road.

Hundreds of people gathered at the building on Fullarton and Cross Roads, demanding the building is left where it is, or moved to another location.

Led by Waite MP, former Liberal Sam Duluk, people from Mitcham Historical Society, the National trust, and Friends of Urrbrae House, Mitcham Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross and many locals joined the chimes to save the historical building.

Protesters voice their disapproval today. Picture: Dean Martin

Pinkie Bennett and Emma Barson. Picture: Dean Martin

Transport Minister Corey Wingard released the concept designs for the $100 million project on Friday which revealed the gatehouse would be demolished in the project.

“This was a difficult decision and one that wasn’t taken lightly,” Minister Wingard said

Joanna Wells, from the Mitcham Historical Society, who began a petition to save Waite Lodge and it’s surrounding trees almost a year ago said she received about 700 extra signatures in the 24 hours leading to the event. The petition has a total 6500 signatures to date.

Marion resident Emma Barson joined the protest, saying the road development will change the face of Cross Rd.

“Do the people of Springfield and Highgate want trucks thundering down Cross Roads?” Ms Barson said.

Mr Duluk passed around a petition and asked people to sign it. He plans to present it to parliament on the first day they will sit in February 2021.

“Saving Peter Waite’s legacy is so important, not just to my community but to all of South Australia, and to think that we can’t save this as part of this road upgrade is so disappointing,” Mr Duluk said.