NSW Government’s real estate arm could take control of Yasmar Estate

The real estate arm of the State Government could take control of Yasmar Reserve in Haberfield, according to a letter obtained under freedom of information.

Yasmar House guardians Angie Gallinaro and Emma Brooks Maher want to see the estate restored and put to use for the community. Pictures: John Appleyard

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The real estate arm of the State Government could take control of Yasmar Reserve at Haberfield, according to a letter obtained under freedom of information.

The move has sparked fears the heritage listed estate could be sold off for redevelopment or to a private operator.

As NSW Labor unveiled its plan for the site last Friday, many locals vented their anger the historical gem had become “derelict through neglect” and called for it to be put to use to benefit the community.

Locals say Yasmar Estate has become derelict as a result of neglect.

Shadow lands minister Mick Veitch said he was “alarmed” by the letter dated January 25, 2018, from the Department of Industry, which manages the state’s crown land.

The letter states Italian bilingual school Co. As. It has “agreed to surrender its lease interest in the site” as the Department of Juvenile Justice continues to use part of the site as a staff training facility.

“Crown Lands has also been in discussion with Property NSW (PNSW) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that would allow PNSW to take control of the site and assess options for future use,” the letter said.

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Under a Labor government, Mr Veitch said any proposal to sell or transfer significant public land would first need to get approval from both houses of parliament to “end backroom land deals”.

He described Property NSW as the Government’s “in house real estate agent” which had disposed of millions of dollars of public land including public housing in Millers Point and The Rocks.

Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen said Labor would ensure the same protection for Yasmar as Hyde Park and Bondi Beach.

Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen and shadow minister for lands Mick Veitch would “dedicate” the estate to ensure it is protected as crown lands.

“The neglect of Yasmar, the last heritage property of its kind left standing on Parramatta Rd, is symbolic of the neglect of public land under the Berejiklian Government,” she said.

The Haberfield Association’s Friends of Yasmar secretary Angie Gallinaro said the best way of preserving a site was to use it.

She wants to see the estate restored and for Inner West Council to take over management as the trustee.

A peak through the windows revealed pealing paint and plaster which had fallen onto the carpets while termites have been munching away at red ceder built by shipwrights.

“If we lost Yasmar, Haberfield would lose its soul and its history,” she said.

“Yasmar dates back to 1856 and is the last remaining villa estate between the city and Parramatta.”

“We want to save it from neglect and privatisation and see it preserved for community or government use.”

She was not opposed to potential uses such for weddings or as a cafe as long as it was managed by the council.

An art gallery, a home for film makers and a living history museum were some of the ideas put forward by community members.

Emma Brooks Maher described Yasmar as “time capsule” with its original and antique elements such as a copper basin in the kitchen and the coat of arms of the Grace family who were the last family to own the house.

She suggested it could be restored and used as heritage skills training centre.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Industry- Lands and Water does not currently have an MOU in place with Property NSW regarding Yasmar House.

No response was received from the office of lands minister Paul Toole.