Heritage and CMP

HERITAGE REPORT AND CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

Preshil’s distinguished learning environment at Arlington occupies a rare and significant place in the cultural heritage of Victoria. The original allotment dates to the earliest subdivisions of Hawthorn and Kew, and since Margaret (Greta) Lyttle purchased the 10 room brick residence ‘Arlington’ in 1937, eight new buildings have been carefully built in the old backyard. The synergy of buildings, gardens, trees and playground spaces which we see and experience today not only distinguishes the school’s vision, but also design collaborations between Preshil children and the Melbourne architect Kevin Borland (1926-2000) from 1959.

• In 1972, the totality of this achievement was recognised in Preshil receiving the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Bronze Medal, that profession’s highest honour.

• In 2005, Preshil was included in the Victorian Heritage Register as a place of architectural, social and historical significance to the state of Victoria.

This year, following Margaret (Mug) Lyttle’s move from the house, the school commissioned a Preliminary Heritage Report to assist in the long-term care, maintenance and adaptation of the buildings and grounds. This report has now been completed and has provided a basis for stage two of the conservation strategy: the Conservation Management Plan.

This work is currently underway and involves more detailed research in order to:

• clarify the school’s collection of memorabilia and moveable heritage;

• clarify the physical condition of the buildings and landscape;

• assess the cultural heritage significance of the school at the state and national levels; and

• review/amend the heritage citation for the school as currently included in the Victorian Heritage Register.

On this basis, the completion of the report will provide a policy framework of supporting conservation actions for the third and final stage of the conservation strategy, the Conservation Works Program.  This will enable the school to care for its heritage assets within the context of a prioritised supporting conservation strategy in the short, medium and long term.

HOW TO DONATE

A contribution to the Building and Maintenance fund is 100% Tax deductible. To make a donation into this account please use the following details:

Account Name: Preshil Foundation
Account Number: 822 11 61 41
BSB: 083 461
Reference: Surname and Initial

Please notify us at foundation@preshil.vic.edu.au with the deposited amount, any specific instructions and a current address for sending you a tax receipt