Council’s $279k plan to restore derelict Laughing Waters site in Eltham
What was once a haven for the founding godfathers of Eltham’s thriving arts scene, is now home to boarded-up cottages and unkempt gardens. But the council has revealed exciting plans to bring the historic site back to life.
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Two dilapidated cottages in Eltham’s historic Laughing Waters precinct will be restored to their former glory after standing idle for almost five years.
Nillumbik Council will use $279,000 in grants to refurbish the River Bend and Birrarung houses, and spend $30,000 on resuming an artist residency program.
Renowned architects and neighbourhood icons Alistair Knox, Gordan Ford and Graham Rose built the cottages in the 1970s, which previously housed the council’s Laughing Waters Artist Residency Program from 2001 until 2015.
The council had partnered with Parks Victoria to lease the site during that time.
But the initiative was discontinued after the lease agreement expired and the council was required to fork out $220,000 for “urgent repairs” at the site.
Councillor Peter Clarke said it was “exciting” to be able to reinstate the popular arts program, where a host of international and local artists would be able to live and work.
“This is a good piece of work that’s taken a couple of years to bring to fruition, but will be well worth it as we continue to grow the arts in Nillumbik,” he said.
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Cr Clarke said maintenance works at the site would start in the next six months.
“The River Bend and Birrarung houses need to be repainted, refitted inside, have a complete electrical check and other crucial repair works just get them back up to scratch,” he said.
“But once they’re finished it will be a reminder of the past and why this area was so inspiring to past artists.”
The council will run the artist residency program within the next 12 months.
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