Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital, Goulburn: Second compliance order issued to Australia China International after 2021 fire

In another attempt to preserve what is left of a significant Southern Tablelands heritage site, a second compliance order has been issued to the owners of the former Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital, after a fire from last year caused more than $500,000 in damage to the complex.

In another attempt to preserve what is left of a significant Southern Tablelands heritage site, a second compliance order has been issued to the owners of the former Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital, after a fire from last year caused more than $500,000 in damage to the complex.

Member for Goulburn / Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman announced the order in a statement on Thursday, after having recently met with the newly appointed Minister for Environment and Heritage, James Griffin, to discuss progress on the Kenmore matter.

“I am pleased to advise that Heritage NSW (HNSW) has recently issued a second Order under section 120 of the Heritage Act 1977 to the owners of Kenmore, in a further step to ensure the entire heritage listing is brought up to minimum standards,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“A hazardous materials report (commissioned by HNSW) of the fire site has shown the presence of asbestos and lead. This further adds to my concern for safety on the site.”

The former Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital in Goulburn covered in smoke on Saturday October 16, and has shown the presence of asbestos and lead. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW Station 305 Goulburn/Facebook

The 126 year-old building was first bought in 2003, and has since gone through several owners and remained fairly abandoned as well as damaged, which Goulburn locals have expressed their frustration about. It is currently owned by Australia China International.

“Despite recent evidence of attempts to clean the grounds, board up access points, the entire Kenmore precinct remains neglected by distant owners who appear to hold no regard or respect to the Goulburn community and our heritage values,” Ms Tuckerman said.

The second compliance order comes after a fire on October 16 2021 completely destroyed a two-storey building – where it started – known as Ward 15, that used to be the female section of the former psychiatric hospital.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews managed to stop the blaze from spreading throughout the whole complex, but the damage was still valued at more than $500,000. The demise of the ward was also quite upsetting for nurses who used to work there as well as the community in general.

The former Kenmore 'Asylum' in flames on Saturday October 16. Picture: NSW RFS – Goulburn Brigade/Facebook

Not long after, two boys aged 13 and 14 who were responsible for the blaze, were taken to Goulburn Police Station and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

In 2020, the site was also heavily damaged by a fire and Heritage NSW launched a compliance investigation in November 2020.

Ms Tuckerman said in her statement that the Heritage Council of NSW and HNSW will continue to seek action from the owners to develop a “master plan” for the site, with engagement from Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

“The Minister assured me that the Heritage Council of NSW and Heritage NSW are committed to the site and to achieving short and long term heritage outcomes for the people of Goulburn,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“Goulburn Mulwaree Council have proven – through the completion of Goulburn Performing Arts Centre – that adaptive reuse of our precious heritage buildings is possible and can deliver magnificent results.”