Toowoomba council to consider plan for wedding venue at Old Gowrie Homestead in Kingsthorpe
A historical homestead just outside Toowoomba could become a lavish wedding venue after plans were lodged by the property’s owner.
Development
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The owner of a historic homestead west of Toowoomba has revealed plans to use the grounds as a destination wedding venue for up to 140 people.
Jacqueline Purcell, who is listed as the owner of the Old Gowrie Homestead at Kingsthorpe, lodged a development application last month with the Toowoomba Regional Council for a “function facility” at the 12-hectare site.
According to the report by Adams and Sparkes Town Planning, the proposal would involve installing a marquee in the gardens, as well as building an ancillary car park to the side of the main property.
“The proposed development will include using the existing dwelling onsite, the landscaped yards and add a function marquee to the northeast of the dwelling,” the report said.
“The proposed function facility will operate between the hours of 9.30am until 10.30pm.
“A function manager will oversee all events to ensure client and guest requirements are met and associated activities are appropriate managed, including traffic, parking and noise.
“The proposed facility may cater for up to 140 persons (for a maximum event) and is therefore required to provide 56 parking spaces in accordance with the relevant codes and standards.”
The report said the improvements would not detract from the homestead’s historical elements.
“The proposed development will enhance the current local heritage site and incorporate a new and attractive function venue for locals and visitors,” it said.
“The rural property will respect the heritage importance in ways of incorporating existing landscapes and buildings on the site as part of the proposed functions.”
According to various sources, the historic property was built in the 1870s and is included on the Toowoomba Regional Council’s local heritage register.
The five-bedroom homestead has Italian marble fireplaces, imported timbers of English ash and walnut, 4.9m ceilings, formal dining and lounge rooms, billiards room and cellar.
It was sold in 2007, a day before it was due to be auctioned off, following interest from international buyers.
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