Calls to save historic Broughton House Parramatta

Calls have been made to save a dilapidated Victorian property at Parramatta before it becomes another casualty of the city’s eroding historic landscape.

Broughton House has been abandoned since it stopped being used as an aged care home.

Heritage advocates want attention shone on an imposing but little-known house standing in the residential streets of Parramatta before it faces “demolition by neglect” at the hands of developers.

That was the message from long-time Parramatta resident Kaye Fraser, who has seen Broughton House abandoned and fall into disrepair over recent years when it stopped being used as Parramatta Aged Care Facility.

Reverend Samuel Marsden built the Thomas St property for his daughter Jane in 1838 and it became a state heritage-listed property in 1999.

“That’s the only building of that type left north of the river,’’ Mrs Fraser said.

“There’s a lot of windows boarded up so they haven’t bothered replacing windows.

Broughton House at Thomas St, Parramatta.

Kaye Fraser doesn’t want Broughton House to plunge into more disrepair.

“If they get it run down enough they can’t get it repaired.

“Some of it looks very rickety. Quite frankly, this is a very, very significant Parramatta building and I don’t think Parramatta should lose any more of its heritage.’’

Real estate records show Boian Geriatric Services bought the property for $1.3m in 1988 and it is under the same ownership.

In 2019, Heritage NSW approved work to help stop the dilapidation and further structural decay of Broughton House.

The owners also sought approval from Parramatta Council for more extensive work but it was declined because it was considered “more than minor”.

The proponent was advised to seek a development application, which has not yet been lodged, possibly because of Covid interruptions.

Conservation works were under way but could have also been stalled because of Covid.

The council cannot direct maintenance work unless it is for public safety.

Heritage NSW is responsible for the work.

A Heritage NSW spokeswoman said it was not involved in any compliance activity at this time.

“Heritage NSW will continue to work with the owner and City of Parramatta Council in compliance with NSW legislation for minimum standards for maintenance and repair, and will continue to monitor the property’s condition,’’ she said.

The owner was approached for comment.